[downersgoup]

I have two rats, Klondike and Goat. Klondike has always had sinus issues that I've tried to treat with antibiotics from the vet, but nothing really helped. The vet said he still seemed happy as a clam more or less, so I should just watch that he keeps eating. He's an old man in rat years, so it's not very surprising, but it just feels like it's consuming me. My heart is just breaking into a thousand pieces, because right now there's nothing I can do but make him comfy and feed him/give him water by an eyedropper. I don't always get along with people, so my animals are just very, very important to me. Taking care of myself and staying busy as best I can, but I'm just in a dark place.

[Soupe du jour]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this forthcoming loss. I totally understand the feeling, having lost a beloved pet of mine within the last 12 months.

pets are just as much a part of the family as humans are. it's perfectly understandable you'd be feeling that way.

when I was a child, I had no idea that my puppydog was going to die. she had gone to the vet, for what I thought was just a series of tests

but I got the call during dinner: sorry, she has to be put to sleep.... even for weeks after she died, I thought I could hear her in her basket, or rattling the stairgate (which we had to stop her from messing the house)

I loved her and I'm sure this is how you feel about your rat. we're here for you

[*Beth*]

downersgroup, my heart goes out to you. I have owned 26 rats over the years. Every single one of them was special and precious. They are so intelligent, loyal, and clever. And adorable!

The main reason I went into therapy 2 years ago was because I was grieving my rats' and cats' deaths (I've also always lived with cats) and could no longer function normally.

I wish I had magic words to take your pain away. I do believe that many people with a mental illness deeply bond with animals, more so than with people. Please know this...you are not alone.

I'm sending love and peace to you and Klondike, and to Goat, too

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I'm so sorry about your sick boy. My cat died 2 months ago today and I know how hard it is deal with his loss. I hope that it can be as peaceful as possible for both of you.

[downersgoup]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I have owned 26 rats over the years.

Wow, so many good rats. You know, I dunno if this is a rat owner thing, but I frequently have dreams that I'm taking care of like 50 rats at a time.

[Travelinglady]

I'm sorry. Losing a pet is hard.

[Fuzzybear]

I'm sorry, losing a pet is very sad and hard.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by downersgoup

Wow, so many good rats. You know, I dunno if this is a rat owner thing, but I frequently have dreams that I'm taking care of like 50 rats at a time.

Rat owners are, in my opinion, very special people.

Yes, I rescued 2 rats from becoming snake food and, not knowing anything about rats, put them in the same cage. Turned out that Edie and Elijah fell madly in love and she gave birth to 19 babies!

I knew she was pregnant because Elijah built housing for her to give birth in. That was one of the most intelligent, beautiful, touching things I've ever seen. He gathered their recycled paper bedding, pieces of cloth I'd put into their cage, pieces of paper towel, and some other bits of safe materials I had put in their cage. He gathered it all and built a kind of hut for her. Sure enough, she went in there and gave birth to their children.

After that, I built "rat condos", multi-level housing, for all the rats. When Edie was done nursing the babies, females went in one condo, males in the other. They all lived out their lives. When they died, over a period of 18 months, it was rough. I loved them so much.

After that I owned 5 more rats. This time I bought "pedigreed" rats that were unusual colors. One was a pale pearl blue-grey. Her name was Misty Blue.

After Misty, the last one, my heart was too broken and I couldn't own any more rats. I now live with my 5 cats. But I will always have so much love in my heart for my ratties.

You are a fine human being for taking good care of your rat pals

[Polibeth]

I'm sorry to hear about your pet rat. I've lost 2 cats in the past and I know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet - they are family.