Beauty in a ratface

Today is cold, rainy and just generally unpleasant.
Charlie did not want to come inside. I could tell he was preoccupied with something at the far back of the yard.
Not knowing what disgustingness he has found this time and not wanting it puked up on the rug later, I reluctantly put my mudboots on and ventured into the cold rain.

There laying in the wet leaves on his back was a big fat rat. I poked him with a stick and he hissed at me and tried biting. I figured he was playing dead to make Charlie go away, so I went and got my Carhartt leather gloves to further investigate.

I brought out a bucket and some warm towels fresh out the dryer. I know what you are thinking. Its a rat for gosh sakes! Yeah well, this was a cute rat! And I happen to love animals and even find beauty even in a rat face so there!

He was soft and gray with long rat eyelashes and whispy wiskers. He had a pink nose and tail and little rat toes with sharp nails that probably carried some disgusting virus.

I picked him up and wrapped him in warm towels and brought him inside. He lay in the bucket warming up for about an hour. When I later checked on him he had went to heaven :(   I cried.