Putting computer networks into old buildings can be a knuckle- bruising business but in California they have found a novel way to get cable through narrow spaces in the form of a seven-inch white rat called Judy. As part of the NetDay movement to connect schools to the internet, Judy has so far helped wire up six schools – jumping into a hole it one room and carrying string in her mouth as she finds the shortest route to the next room. Judy was trained by Dr Judy Reavis, vice president of Hermes Systems Management, a Benicia, technology consulting firm. The incentive for the rodent is that her favorite cat food is waiting when she emerges.

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