I named him Mickey. He was a small rat with cute bugged-out eyes and long whiskers. I fantasized taming Mickey and taking him to the field with me. He'd ride in my pocket or on my shoulder. At night, he'd go out and look for enemy activity and scurry back to warn me with a whisker tickle in my ear.
Boys love to fantasize.
My salvation was the gift of a puppy. I love puppies, and this little guy got the best of care. Alone in my room, I'd get down on the floor and let the little fella have his way with me. The rough tough little cream puff would chew my face with his needle sharp teeth, but I loved the smell of puppy breath. It took me back, way back, back to my youth.