I do have a few favorites that are/will be breeders and then live the rest of their short life out with me...but I still don't consider them pets.
Many, many years ago, I had a pet rat that was the most amazing little thing I've ever had. She was the smartest and most loving creature I've ever had the pleasure of owning (and I've owned a LOT of animals)....but rats don't live very long. I was so beyond heartbroken when she passed. I do NOT want to go through that again.