Rest well, Ralphie the rattie.

[undergunfire]

Ralphie hasn't been doing well for the past 4 or so weeks. He started loosing weight, then developed a URI and terrible breathing. I was going to have him put to sleep on March 5th (the day his son's went in for their neuters), but I decided against it because he was still eating and I really like it when rats get to pass away at home with their buddies (as long as they don't seem to be in immense pain). He was also doing alright, but he wasn't his usual self. Ralphie has never been "bouncy" and happy, like his "brother" (Spartan). Ralphie was my little bashful shy boy.

His siblings all passed away a few months ago, so as far as I know...Ralphie was the last one. I rescued Ralphie from a guy who was giving him, his mom, his siblings, uncle, and dad away on CL for free for "snake food or whatever". Ralphie stayed with me, while his 2 brother's went to a really sweet older lady in town, his sisters/mother/father/uncle went to a couple down in the Phoenix area who used to run an animal sanctuary in Utah and adored rats.

Last night Ralphie was somewhat lethargic, but he would still gladly take his meds. I knew it was his time. I decided that I would take him this morning to be PTS, if he hadn't passed in his sleep.

I woke up and checked on him...and he had passed away in his pocket hammock

. He looked so peaceful and he stuck his little head out of the hole he made, like he always did when I would come in to greet them. It was almost like he passed away that way, so I could see that he was still greeting me.

We buried him under a growing tree in our backyard.


Rest well, my Ralphie. I know Spartan, your "wifey" Spice, and your kids will miss you

.

:cry1:

 

[Bo B Bunny]

:cry2:tears2::cry1:

Ralphie..... I'll miss you!

 

[JadeIcing]

Rest in peace buddy. We will miss you.

 

[undergunfire]

Thanks, you guys. The boy's cage really isn't the same without a nakie in there. I really miss Ralphie....it is very hard, as I have had him since he was 4 weeks old.

My heart breaks, too, because Spartan is honestly pushing 2.5 years. I think he was close to a year when I got him and I have had him for 1.5 years. When I lose my tubby lovey...I am going to really be heart broken.

I wish rats lived longer.

 

[Luvmyzoocrew]

oh I am so sorry

RIP

 

[hartleybun]

it's been over 4 years since my last rat, whiskers, passed away. before that i had rizzo. both of them used to ride around on my shoulder or in the pocket of my apron. i had to totally rearrange my counter tops in the kitchen because i couldnt bear to look at the space where the cage had been.

bunnies cover your ears but i think rats are the most intelligent and loving companions anyone could have. i still have the cage.

take comfort from knowing that you gave a rat a wonderful home:hug2:

 

[SnowyShiloh]

Awww, RIP bubba I remember when you got him. I can't believe he's gone so soon, that's the thing I didn't like about my ratties. So hard.

 

[tonyshuman]

I'm so sorry, Amy. I'm glad he had a wonderful life with you and you saved him from a terrible situation. I imagine him snuggling into a big rat hammock at the bridge.

 

[undergunfire]

I found some pictures of Ralphie with his sons. I forgot that I took them, I didn't even edit them to size or anything. I will have to work on that and upload them here for you guys to see...they are some great shots.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

we're so sorry for your loss. We really do prefer not having to take our fur babies to the vet too. Mr. B is buried near a tree in the front yard with a flag stone marker. It really is a shame that rats and mice are with us for a short time. Remember that love you gave and the memories you got in return--the hammock pictures are great RIP little one :rainbow: