Wow. I've heard about this all my life (rats and squirrels and things chewing the wiring) but I've never personally encountered it. Sorry you could to experience it. Most folks say "it's a country thing" and you're living in the biggest city in the land and there you go. While it sucks, look at it this way - you're guy found the problems, pretty easy to fix (comparatively); could have been much worse.
Glad you'll be back in action again soon.