Brilliant Bennie

Hi all! My name is Sam Cortez—proud partner and trainer of Bennie the rat. Listed below are some interview question that will help you get to know Bennie and myself better. I hope everyone viewing this blog shares my excitement about the journey Bennie and I will shortly to embark on. 

Q1) What was your initial impression of rats before our lab last week?

A1) I was aware that rats were intelligent creatures prior to lab last week. However, I assumed they were mean and dirty rodents. I had no desire to interact with rats in any capacity.

Q2) Were you able to hold a rat last week?

A2) Yes, I was able to hold Bennie on two occasions last week. Once after Tuesday's class and once during lab time.

Q3) How often have you been to in to hold your rat since then?

A3) I have visited and held Bennie twice over the weekend. Both times were during the mid-afternoon.

Q4) Has your impression of rats changed? Why or why not?

A4) My impression of rats has certainly changed. I now realize the sweet and benign personalities that many rats possess. I have developed a particular affection for my rat in training—Bennie. Holding Bennie and watching her whiskers flair as she sniffs the air has significantly improved my construal of rats. Her curious and exploratory nature is endearing.

Q5) I have decided to name my rat Bennie after the famous Elton John song: "Bennie and the Jets". One line of the song describes Bennie as "really keen." I believe Bennie the rat is also keen and possess great learning potential. Time and training will tell if Bennie will be as receptive to Pavlovian conditioning as I hope.