I agree. Rat. I worked in a chain pet store for about a year. Mice are adorable but REALLY smelly. I didn't much like the hamsters. Still don't. They're surly. Gerbils are OK, but not my favorite. Rats are GREAT! And if you think that I would have said that before I worked with them, I would have said that you needed your head examined. They are clean, cuddly, smart and ADORABLE. Personally the Dumbo rats were my favorites.
I did not bring any small furry creatures from that job, but I did bring home a bird. I didn't think I was a bird person. Apparently I am.