[littlematchstick]

I lost my dear favorite pet last week. I know that its not necessarily the same as losing a human close to you--but it still hurts. I don't really have a lot of friends or close family so my pets are like my best friends. They chear me up when I'm down and help me through my darkest times in life. They have been there for me when humans have failed me. I miss her so very very much. I can't tell you how many times I'd be crying and she would come over and lick the tears off my cheeks..or I would find her sleeping under my pillow.

She was a pet rat. Not many understand rats as pets..but they are very much like little dogs. They are smart and form very strong bonds with their owners. They can be litter trained as well. So they are very very good pets. She was special to me. She was about 2 years old when she passed (their life spans are 2-3 years). She was probably the best pet that I ever had...she would just sit on my shoulder and let me pet her. She would scamper around and be goofy and loved to wrestle with my hand.

I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I feel the greif for her as much as when I've lost family. She will be forever missed.

[(JD)]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Yes, I've posted and others have too about a loss of a pet. It's devasting! I still go into a crying jag once in a while from the loss of my first service dog which I had 15 years (Figaro.)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Yoda]

I am sorry for your loss.

[Muser]

Our love for our pets is real whether it's a rat, cat, or elephant They love us unconditionally and bring smiles when we are blue.

I appreciate what you are going through. They aren't just "pets" .... they our our companions.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[lynn P.]

I'm sorry for the loss of your dear pet. You're right it does hurt.

[Rohag]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. May comfort find you.

[Kotomi]

I have a rat too. Yeah, I understand so much... Animals don't try and go change who you are at all. They don't try to make you perfect, and they don't judge who you are as a person. They'll be there when you're sad and comfort you. All they ask in return? A little kindness.

Aah, I'm sorry for my depressing post. But I can only relate. I'm sorry for your loss.. I hope you start to feel better soon, really.