another sad pet story

[lazarus]

My daughter, who is now living with us, wanted pet. Since it's a small apartment, and we've already got a dog and two cats and damned annoying bird, we were thinking small and fuzzy.

So my wife was in a pet store, and they had the cutest little hooded rat. Absolutely adorable. And he became ours.

He was very young, only about 4 weeks, but had a great personality.

Sadly, Mr Nibbles got pneumonia. We took him to the vet, got meds for him, he was going to be okay. He took a turn for the worse. We took him to the pet ER. He was dehydrated, so the vet gave him a shot to help out. Said he'd be just fine.

In the morning, Mr Nibbles was dead.

For some reason, it hit me really hard. I had grown really attached to the li'l guy. Still miss him, although it's been a week now.

[AnnabelLee]

1. I'm so sorry, lazarus

We've had many rats over the years, & it seems that if it's not pneumonia with the little guys, it's mammary tumors that grow like wildfire. I hope your daughter doesn't take Mr. Nibbles' death too hard.:-(

[lazarus]

2. actually

I think I'm taking it harder than she is. He had basically adopted me as his playtoy.

Luckily, there's a breeder right here a few blocks away who has 5 litters coming. We'll have our pick (two this time) end of August.

But they won't be Mr Nibbles. I had never had a rat before. Now I understand why rat people are rat people.

[GOPisEvil]

3. Well, crap...

...that just sucks. :-(

[lazarus]

4. thanks, bro

:(

[molly]

5. It is sad when ANY pet dies

I have decided thru much pet experience that they are just as smart as we are. They just communicate differently. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[patdem]

6. When I was about 8 I had a lizard for 1 day...'Ish Kabibal'

He was dead when I woke up the next day. He was buried in a box outside my house and I cried for about a week.

Guilt probably plays a great role, since my mom said he was probably handled too much which was the reason for his death?

Very SAD indeed!

[UrbScotty]

7. Aw jeez, really?

Sorry about that, Lazarus!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. Poor Mr. Nibbles

So sorry for your loss, Lazarus!

:-(

[Madrone]

9. When you go to get another rattie -

Please, please, PLEEEASE get 2 littermates.

Rats are VERY social creatures and can become nuerotic if kept alone. Trust me - 2 doesn't cost any more than one, and you will have much happier, calmer, and friendlier pets as a result!

Breeders are definitely a better choice than petshops - you should have better luck healthwise with a rat from a reputable breeder.

I'm so sorry about your baby - :(

I buried my first rattie a few months ago - I have 4 left who are past the average rattie lifespan so although they are great at the moment, things can go downhill at any moment.

They truly are wonderful creatures!

on edit: I just re-read the thread and saw I had overlooked you saying 2 this time. 2 are twice the love and fun! :)

[ulysses]

10. I'm sorry, man

and for the kiddo as well. It was a trip to have you enthuse on the phone over Mr. Nibbles - I'd have never pictured you as a rat kind of guy.

The science teacher next door to me at school has a guinea pig in her room - some tendency to nibble on body parts if offered, but she makes really cool noises when she's happy. Peace to all. :)

[lazarus]

11. Thanks, everybody

Thank you much.