As I liked hamsters and gerbils my boyfriend at the time, Dave, LOVED rats. Java was a sweetheart.
Rats, but the way are VERY underrated pets. They are VERY personable, very intelligent and are suprisingly clean.
I know they have a bad reputation but they are NOTHING like their shit-eating cousins that live in your sewer. Trust me. Rats are awesome pets. I may even get one for myself someday.