Computer Mice Can’t Get Clicking Until This Rat Blazes the Trail

Most computer users would be lost without their mice, but how many have a helpful rat?

Meet Rattie, a 7-inch albino rodent whose penchant for cat food and Gummi Bears has led her on a quest to help wire California schools for the computer age.

“She runs. She jumps. You name it,” said Dr. Judy Reavis, a physician and computer executive who trained Rattie to make her way through walls and crawl spaces, dragging a string used to pull computer wire.

Rattie started her career in lab research. Reavis adopted her and started training the 2 1/2-year-old rodent--elderly by rat standards--about a year ago.

It took patience and a consistent workout schedule, including coaxing Rattie through plastic pipes and over wire mesh and other obstacles. Now Rattie pulls string through walls and above ceilings where humans could never fit. She finds her way with the help of Reavis, who taps on walls to guide her.

Tie the string to a wire and pull. Presto, the wiring is done. At the end of the trail, Rattie knows she’ll find her favorite treats as a reward for a job well done.

“Basically, she’s a working pet,” Reavis said. Rattie has helped wire eight schools, braving run-ins with asbestos and a near fall from two stories up.

Organizers for NetDay--a national volunteer program to wire all public schools for computers by the year 2000--have heard of the National Guard helping deliver computer goods to remote parts of North Carolina and countless other valiant efforts.

“But I don’t know of any other rats that are pulling wire,” says Michael Kaufman, a NetDay co-founder who also works for the Public Broadcasting Service.

Rattie even has her own Web page, where students can ask technology questions and hear Rattie sing and talk. (Reavis is her ghostwriter.)

An electrician on the East Coast was so impressed with Reavis’ work that he sent her an e-mail asking for a date.

“Oh, good. Rattie’s not only an educator, now she’s a matchmaker,” said a laughing Reavis, who--when she’s not volunteering and toting a rat around--heads her 16-year-old company, Hermes Systems Management, in Benicia, 20 miles east of San Francisco.

The company has an education division that works with schools to develop comprehensive computer systems. Reavis had always hoped she’d gain fame for running a successful company. But it looks like Rattie is stealing the spotlight with multiple requests for appearances and interviews.

“Maybe the rat will help take my company public,” Reavis said.

School officials have nothing but praise for the doctor and her roving rodent.

“Has computer, will travel. She will go anywhere,” Mayrene Bates, assistant superintendent for Solano County schools, said of Reavis, who is helping update schools in dire need of the latest technology.

About three years ago, for example, students at Mary Farmar Elementary School in Benicia were still using old Apple 2E computers that the district purchased in the early 1980s.

With increased state funding, the help of Rattie and several volunteers--and $20,000 worth of new computers from the local PTA--the school has quickly become state of the art, Principal Jane West said.

Hayley Horn, a sixth grader at Mary Farmar, said she spends 15 minutes to three hours a day surfing the Internet. She first read about Rattie on the “Judy’s Rat” Web page. When the 11-year-old met Rattie, she was amazed at what the rat could do.

“I tried to train my rat to go through a maze but the walls weren’t tall enough so she just crawled around them,” she said.

There is a downside. Rattie tends to leave behind unwanted reminders of her visit, even on top of computer terminals.

“Oh, that’s all right. We’ll clean it up,” said Reavis, who’s quick with the paper towels. “I’m getting used to it.”