Rats have a bad reputation. In some cases, yes, they’re kind of gross. No one really wants to touch a rat found digging through week-old garbage.
However, rats raised as pets are kept clean and comfortable and are totally adorable.
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And if you give those pet rats teeny tiny teddy bears? *Cuteness overload!*
These particular photos have been circling around the internet for more than a decade. Every now and then they pop up again when people need a moment of pure cuteness in their lives.
The photos themselves are by Ellen van Deelen.
Her photos featuring rats Moppy, Witje, and Rosie are all uploaded to her Redbubble shop , where she’s been selling products printed with the cute photos since 2007.
The teddy bears are definitely the cutest prop, but they aren’t the only ones.
I also enjoy all the photos of the rats “playing” tiny musical instruments.
Though the images are going viral again right now, Ellen herself remains a bit of a mystery. Many outlets have attempted to contact her for more info, but without any luck.
So for now, we’ll just have to appreciate her work for what it is: adorable.
