Realistically this is a nice recognition for the handlers and the program that also has a cute news angle. It's a win-win, if the program has attention and funding the rat keeps getting lunch

And likewise, it probably does not value a gold medal.

gold/silver/bronze in the rat world is probably more like: peanut butter/cheese/grain

A cheese medallion seems like a fitting award for a rat.

Rats are intelligent, she will trade it later with a Crow and the Crow then with a ferengi because the Crow needs a self sealing stem-bolt.

> "It is funny because the little animal probably has no idea what it is doing and does not care for anything but its lunch."

That sounds like an accurate description of most soldiers.

I think the rat eats better food than MRE's.

The anthropomorphism hijack is way too strong. Couldn't help but think "Get in, mate!"