We lost our rat, Willow, this morning...

[YellowRubberDuckie]

She'd been bleeding for awhile and we put her to sleep. For as much as she was bleeding, she had way too much energy. She was disoriented and stumbling around. She hadn't been eating for awhile. We're really sad, but I'm so glad that she's not suffering anymore. She made us laugh a lot, so i guess she's fulfilled her purpose. So, now she'll join her sister in the backyard.
What is it about these little furry creatures that attaches them to our hearts so much? :cry:
Duckie

[UrbScotty]

1. I don't know. Maybe it is their furriness.

:hug:

[fugue]

2. My condolences

One of the best animals ever to live with my family was my sister's rat, Frances. I remember how we all mourned her loss, too.

Just remember Willow had a great life with you.

There's a story I once read on a site now gone that according to at least one Native American tradition, all the animals who knew you during your life will meet you at the gates of heaven, and they will decide if you get in. If that belief is right, you are guaranteed at least one rodently voice in your favor.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. That brings so much comfort...

It really should be stitched on a pillow somewhere, huh?
Duckie

[fugue]

11. Definitely!

Glad I could be of some comfort.

I only wish I had the stitchery skills to make you that pillow.

[Lefta Dissenter]

3. Oh, I'm so sorry!

I've never had a rat, though I have had just about every other creature... but anyone who has had one has described them as being just like tiny little people, with such distinct personalities and a great sense of humor.

I really am sorry about your Willow. She must have been such a fun addition to your family. :hug:

[Skittles]

4. I'm sorry, hon

I like rats too - I love to watch them at the pet store - so smart and their antics are hilarious. I know what it's like to lose a pet - it's the price of love.

[Darth_Kitten]

5. I'm sorry for your loss....

what a little character, she made you laugh and made you happy....

:hug: I don't know what it is about these little creatures, but who really can explain love? :shrug: :hug:

[BlackVelvetElvis]

7. I"m sorry about Willow.

I've never had a pet rat. What are they like?
I've heard that they are very smart and clean animals.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

8. Very Smart, Very Clean, VERY VERY Social.

Except for Willow. She liked Buffy, but when she died, she was happier and well adjusted and stopped biting. She became a great pet, very content just to play alone in her cage, or on Skip's shoulder. Most rats are very people oriented. They are a great pet, but this is probably our last pet with a 2-3 year life span. It's just too rough.
Duckie

[BlueJazz]

9. I've had Ratties my whole life (from the age of 7)

They've always brought great joy to my life with their little antics.
It's true that they each have their own little personalities.

Quick story: When I was playing in a band, I once (well, one of many times), I had to go out of town for a week so I asked my (then) Girlfriend if she would watch my Ratties at her house.....Sure, she said...so I brought them over....3 of them...
Anyway she thought they were "Oh, so cute" and enjoyed them...UNTIL...she made the mistake of putting their cage right next to her Velvet Drapes. The Ratties "Customized" her drapes after pulling a large hunk of them into the cage.
She forgave them and all that but I couldn't help but laugh when she told me about them.

And...I remember when my first Rattie died and my Mother told me that:
"Someday you'll forget how painful it is to lose a little furry friend"

You know what??...She Lied...

[Maddy McCall]

10. Oh, YRD, I am soo sorry.

[Bride of Cthulhu]

12. I'm sorry for your loss.

n/t

[JohnKleeb]

13. Sorry to hear that

Sucks

[Catshrink]

14. Sorry about your little Willow, Duckie

I lost my 14 year old kitty yesterday. We mourn together.

:hug: :grouphug: :hug:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

15. I still miss my first Rat, who died oh, 40 years ago or so

And all the rest of my pets over the years.

They come, they go. As long as they live on in your heart and memory, they still live.

Pax eternimum.

[silverlib]

16. I lost my rat "Stinky" this week, too....

I share your pain. Stinky was five years old - extremely old for a rat - He was very sick for about three days, although he didn't act like it. He lost control of his back legs and had to pull himself up the ladder of his home with his front feet and he had a lung infection. I couldn't stand to watch him struggle and we had him put to sleep this past Tuesday.

I can certainly relate to you missing Willow. Stinky was such a joy to us.

[enigmatic]

17. I'm sorry to hear this...

[joeybee12]

18. I'm so sorry to hear that--rest in peace little gal

[Rhiannon12866]

19. I am just so very sorry

I have lost several pets, including my rat, Barnaby. He was my lab rat in Experimental Psych, which I had to have for my major. I was very careful not to harm him in any way. My experiment involved a light going on and off, that's it. But because he was such a smart little guy, my graphs came out perfectly, and I earned a solid B in what could have been a difficult course. I always meant to save him, anyway, rather then allowing him to be "recycled" to the biology lab. I lost him all too soon, as well, despite bringing him to the vet. Back then, they weren't into treating rodents and weren't much help. Anyway, my heart goes out to you. I certainly know what it's like to lose a pet that you love.;(

[scarlet_owl]

20. I'm sorry for your loss.

:hug: Rest in peace, Willow.

[Baja Margie]

21. Oh, what a bummer,

sorry for your loss.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

22. Thanks Guys

for caring :grouphug:
Duckie

[ronnykmarshall]

23. Poor little Willow.

Rats are such sweet little things.

[Hand]

24. So sorry to hear this...

Ratties are sweet little companion animals... bright, gentle, always there to be with you. I had a rattie when I was a little kid, and he was my very best friend.

Just remember that Willow is waiting to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. Take care.

:hug:

[Ratty]

25. From a long long long time rat owner, my condolences

Most rats don't seem to make it past three years, so us rat owners have it particularly tough. As intelligent, friendly and personable as a dog but with only a fraction of the lifespan. It's hard whenever another one goes. Mine always suffered respiratory problems at the end. Deciding when was the best time to put them out of their misery is difficult. Luckily I had other people who were willing to do it for me most of the time. Only one time did I ever have to do my duty myself, I cried the entire day afterwards and I still have memories of it that make me cringe and get teary-eyed if I dwell on it too much.

[minkyboodle]

26. I'm sorry for your loss

Rats are wonderful pets, very intelligent and so easy to love. Just try to remember all the good things and you will feel better eventually. It is really hard I know but remember you gave Willow the best life possible and I'm sure she was grateful. :grouphug:
Scott

[AlienGirl]

27. Oh no... :-(

So sorry to hear that. My condolences go out to you.

Tucker

[demnan]

28. I've never had one as a pet

but I know they are very intelligent animals. After you have mourned a while, maybe you will feel you can take another animal into your heart. It's not the same but it does help.