A timid and adorable rat named Orville displays an inseparable bond with his beloved best friend, a rabbit.
Orville, known for his shyness, tends to be wary of people until he sees his sociable companion, Wilbur the rabbit, making friends with them.
Jessica Jorgenson, spokesperson for the Iowa Animal Rescue League, remarks, “We noticed that whenever we start petting and caressing Wilbur, Orville would approach us, inspecting and sniffing our hands. Sometimes, he even licks us. However, if we try to approach Orville first, he becomes skittish. The rabbit’s attitude towards humans is crucial to him.”
Both Orville and Wilbur arrived at the shelter in late September after being found in a cage that is typically used by local police to trap stray cats.
Despite their uncertain origins, both the rat and the rabbit were young and in excellent health, clearly indicating that they were once pets and not street animals.
When they first arrived at the shelter, the rabbit and rat clung to each other, and the shelter staff decided not to separate them into different cages.
Stephanie Filler, the shelter manager, expresses surprise at their close and friendly relationship, considering their distinct differences. She says, “We are still amazed by their strong bond. They were lucky to survive on the streets before finding their way to us unharmed.”
In addition to their companionship, Wilbur and Orville enjoy playing together, chasing each other around their enclosure.
They also have an endearing way of sleeping, with the rat burrowing under the bedding while the rabbit rests on top, providing warmth like a cozy blanket.
When the shelter staff searched for the owner of the rabbit and rat, they never considered separating them and ultimately decided to adopt them out together.
Recently, a woman named Carol, an animal lover who already has a finch, a turtle, a guinea pig, and two dogs from shelters, stepped forward as their new owner.
She is confident that the rabbit and rat will seamlessly fit into her diverse family of pets.
