Went into a pet store today - the same one where I got my first girl, Lily (see signature picture).  Anyway, I went to check out the rats and inside a mess of males and females (I'd say they were 5-6 weeks old, all black and white capped/dalmatian/mismarked etc) was one girl similar to the coloring of my late Luna.  Of course she stood out like an odd duck and of course, she's very pregnant.  The store kills me (they have a school-bell type system that is located right above the cages and rings everytime someone walks into the store and the animals freak out).  All the rats are sold as feeders, etc.  Just makes me very upset.  I picked up the girl anyway and she calmed down in my hands, cleaning herself - until the bell went off - then she calmed down again after a few minutes.  However, I forced myself to leave her in the store because my heart is being torn both ways. 

I need opinions.  I know that taking a rat out of a feeder tank, helping socialize the babies, finding them homes is not considered a "rescue" since the spot will just be filled up.  I was pointed out to the fact that there are thousands of other pregnant female rats in the same situation that I don't know about.  But of course, the ones that I do know about really kills me.  Of course I have to be worried about her carrying SDA or something of the sort.  Along with the fact that if I were to get her, I would have to find homes for the babies and I do not know how willing people would be to help with that.  I do have the space and time available to devote to a mother and her litter, however.

Anyway, I just need opinions.  This is kind of a "What would you do" situation.  I need something to convince me if it is better to just leave her there or to go do something about it.  Thank you

It's not considered supporting the store if she just finds her way into your pocket when you are walking out.     NOT that I"M saying you should steal or anything!!!

I think it depends on what your heart is telling you. Sometimes you meet the special someone and just have to take them home no matter where they come from.

Yeah, what you all have said is true.  Thanks for taking the time to help me out.  Sounds like I might be taking a trip back to the store tomorrow.  If that's the case, anyone possibly willing to take a baby or two when they arrive? 

Yes, I agree with Priestess.  I think you should only take her if you are POSITIVE that you can take care of her and most of a potentially large litter in case you don't find many adoptors.

About the supporting pet store dilemna...

Do they lock their rat cages?

How can you find homes "for sure" for hypothetical babies ... there is a saying in frech that goes : devant l'impossible, nul n'est tenu ... which basically means what is impossible can be expected of nobody.

That being said : TAKE HER 

I mean seriously, did you really expect anybody here to say : nah! Leave her there!

When one comes on a rat forum about a question like this, one is looking for validation ... NOT a rational opinion.

Did I mention : TAKE HER!!!! 

The only thing I can think of is to keep trying to convince your dad.  If that doesn't work, then you should respect what he wants and not bring her home.  I know it sucks, but it is your parents' house and you have to abide by their rules.

Well, granted that my dad went with me to the store and saw her (and she looks HUGE so there it is impossible to not know, lol - it actually worries me that she might've had the babies by now) he knows that she's pregnant.

I have a close friend who offered to take in all of the babies once they are old enough (minus the ones that other people might possibly want).  I told my parents and they said that they would "think about it".  So, there is hope.

I'll keep you all updated!

And yes Scratch, I am so aware of that fact.  Unfortunately, sometimes one just...it's impossible to get them off of your mind.

I'm sorry Claire 

I'm sorry.   

I tried to be optimistic.  Unfortunately, my dad told me that the pet store lady specified what type of animal owner the person who bought the rats was.  Bad news.

Thank you all for your support 

We can always hope that someone with a CO2 chamber got them and euthanized them before feeding them to their snake... with that many bought at one time, it's actually somewhat likely.