Meet Christine's new animal friends

Christine is getting to know two furry little friends.

These two youngsters are "fancy rats," domesticated brown rats.

Fancy rats have a reputation as intelligent and affectionate pets. They're also quite social, and are best kept in pairs or groups so they don't get lonely.

Christine has named these girls Yukiko and Chie (yoo'-kee-koh and chee'-ay) after a pair of best friends in a video-game saga. They're starting to get over their initial shyness and enjoy clambering around on their new friend.

Chie finds a comfy spot

Yukiko explores

Christine has joined the ranks of enthusiastic rat fans -- including, of course, her cousin Rebecca, who has owned rats for several years and currently has six.