Welcome to the Rat Shack, where tiny creatures are creating big community connection

Baltimore has a bit of a love-hate relationship with rats, but in one Federal Hill neighborhood, they're the very reason people are stopping by.

Meg Murray's hobby of crafting small rats out of soft material turned into something much bigger - a tiny neighborhood attraction where anyone can stop by and adopt one.

After making more needle-felted rats than she knew what to do with, inspiration struck when Meg found an old medicine cabinet at a local vintage store. That cabinet would become the Rat Shack.

She wanted to do something fun for people in the community to connect, and connect they did.

It has gone beyond the neighborhood, going viral on social media and bringing curious visitors from across the region to collect one of Meg's handmade creations.

Person after person stops by to give one of the fuzzy little creatures a new home.

The adoption process couldn't be simpler: pick a rat and give it a new home. The challenge is getting there before someone else does. Meg puts out about eight rats and day - and they don't stick around long.

Those lucky enough to snag one can give their rat a home wherever they choose. One adopter told us hers is headed straight to the trinket shelf.

No matter what you choose to do with your furry friend, Meg says this is just the beginning. What she's really creating is a place where neighbors and strangers can connect.

"I think we need each other now more than we ever have. I really encourage people to get out there and talk to their neighbors and make some friends."