My best friend's boyfriend room mate has a pet rat. Currently this rat is starving to death and lives in very unsanitary conditions. So, we're going to rescue her tomorrow from him. He wants 20 bucks for the whole set up, and I'm willing to pay it to get the thing outta there.

Problem is... nobody we know wants a rat.

My mom HATES rodents. So... does anybody have a way to help me convince my mom to let me take the rat in until we can find it a better home? Please, I'm a HUGE animal lover and I don't think I can just let things stay the way they are.

Also if by some insane coincidence you live in the Chicago land area and want a rat, drop a comment.