Why Shirelings?
That's actually pretty easy. I've always thought of rats as being rather Hobbit-like. Hairy little people with furry feet who love living close to the Earth. There it is. Plain and simple. Bet you thought there was more to it than that.

Rats=Hobbits, Hobbits=Shirelings, Shirelings=Beings of the Shire

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are stories I've always loved. I associate both with wonderful feelings and memories. My dad read all four books to me, chapter by chapter, page by page, every night at bedtime during my childhood. I reaquanted myself with The Hobbit in highschool, when I wrote a play based on the book. It was a slightly tweaked version where Bilbo was female, and Tolkien also played a role. I got my first standing ovation playing the part of Bilbo.

I have nothing but fond memories and dreams regarding the Shire - so what better to name my rattery?

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