A Rattie runs over the rainbow bridge

[catz]

I don't know if I can post this here but I needed somewhere to say goodbye to my rat Pip. We rescued him and his brother Squeek from a man who had them in a tiny cage and only fed them rabbit food, throwing small portions in to watch the poor guys fight over it.

Poor guy came to us with scarring on his lungs from a chronic respiratory infection that was left untreated and bald patches from mites. We fed him up and showed him what it was like to be loved, even gave him a name as he didn't even come with something as simple as that. He got a liking for yogurt as we gave it to him to fatten him up and he turned into quite a chubby lad.

Sadly his breathing never improved and I think that it, along with old age, took him to the rainbow bridge. We found him cuddled up to his brother this morning, poor squeek was beside himself when we took the body away. He is now buried in the garden wrapped in his blanket.

Run free little Pip, you can breath easy now and enjoy as much yogurt as you please but stay close as I fear your brother will follow you soon. Squeek misses you as do I. You were special and charming in the way only a simple brown rat can be. I love you pip xxxx

[Dainerra]

I'm sorry for Pip. they are such great little guys

[Kris10]

RIP Pip.

[Jelpy]

Condolences on the loss of Pip. Ratties make wonderful companions, and too few people are willing to give them a chance and find out. Bless you for giving him a loving home.

Jelpy and the Mesquite Mafia

[arycrest]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Rats make neat, intelligent pets and I can understand why you're so upset over losing him. My condolences to you and all who loved Pip!!!

[catz]

Thanks guys he was a wonderful little man. The rest of my group have tried to cuddle with Squeek but he's having none of it, just wants to be along in a igloo. Hes taking it hard and I'm worried it'll effect his health as he is an old man himself. Hes suffering from mild hind leg degeneration as well. I wish they had a longer life span then 2 year.

[CLARKE-DUNCAN]

Awwww poor Pip.. I wasn't keen on rats for a long time, Then my cousin Kerry got three of the devils, She made me change my mind about them. But I don't think well I know I will never own one. I think people are creeped out by their tails, they are a little freaky. R.I.P pip kins..

[catz]

Yes they are not for everyone. My entire family hate them, my mum wont even go into the Rat Room, she just stands in the hall going Ewww when she visits lol. We are always asked lots questions too like
"Do they not go for your throat??" (I have rats hanging off my jugular the whole time lol)
"Are they not covered in diseases?" (domestic rats don't have Weil's)
"Do you do experiments on them?"
"What.. they have names?????"
Other then those silly question I love talking about my boys with curious people

[DharmasMom]

Awww. So sorry for your loss. RIP Pip. And poor Squeek. I have a friend that used to keep rats. They are funny little creatures.

[Jelpy]

Originally Posted by CLARKE-DUNCAN

Aw. I think people are creeped out by their tails, they are a little freaky. R.I.P pip kins..

Just shows how little they know. The rats tail is hairless for survival reasons. They have blood vessels running thru the tail and when it's cold they restrict the vessels to conserve heat and when it's warm the vessels expand to release heat. The one thing that bugs people the most about rats is really just a sign of their perfect engineering. Besides, rats are cute.

Jelpy and the Mesquite Mafia