RatPalace.com - Pet Rat Care and Discussion

Thu Nov 06, 2003 9:52 pm

I just went to the vet to pick him up, and there was a new guy there. he said while moving his men around (yeah) to get ready for surgery he noticed a huge growth. and appearently the cancer has spread throughout his body. He reccomended not to put him to sleep, because the only real pain is his breathing troubles. He also is very weak, and it makes me want to cry whatching him get into his hammock. I took him out of the big cage, and have him in a little Tote bag (He loves to be concealed all the time) and I have him in my attic upstairs (where I sleep) and last night I just let him sleep in my bed... The doc said that he only has a week or so to live, and I'm currently giving him an oral antibiotic to keep the swelling down so that he can breath ok... But poor little Rogue's time is nearing. I'm so depressed. he's not even a year old... so close to his birthday, I just hope he'll make it.

I don't know if I can handle this anymore, I'm just being selfish. These poor guys.. I don't deserve them. thinking of rehoming them... Cry

Thu Nov 06, 2003 10:39 pm

Please take into consideration all the love and care you give to your boys before you definitely consider to rehome them. Rouge may be at the end of his life, but I know he realizes how much you love him and is happy to know that he'll be with you until he has to pass to the bridge.
When Doughty was near his end, he became a snuggly, lovey boy, something he never was while he was healthy. I cherish those last days I got to spend with him (as my mom does too, as she was with him when he passed). The trust and love I could feel from him was wonderful, and I know that while he wasn't feeling the best, he was happy until the end because he was with people who loved him in return.
Treasure these last days you have with Rogue, and take solace in your other boys right now. I find that no matter how hard it is to lose them, I could never live without them making me smile a hundred times a day and loving me unconditionally.
Very gentle Belly Kiss

to Rouge, and TONS of Hug

to you

_________________
Rats~Janine, Madeleine, Cooper, Basil, Dolly, Kitty, Ilori, Theo, Elliot, Vladimir, Freya, Devi, Yoshimi, Nigel, Rosshalde, Faust, Tolkien, Caleb, Mira, Ivy, Nemo, Willow, Nikolas, Lucian & Linus
Mice~Molly, James & Will
Beardie~Cleo

Thu Nov 06, 2003 11:06 pm

You're not selfish. You're doing all you can for Rogue, and letting him sleep with you is one of the best things, IMO. Best for both of you.

Hug

_________________
Kate & the M.O.U.S.
If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event ... what kind of film would you use?
~ Anonymous

Thu Nov 06, 2003 11:22 pm

I am so sorry. I hope he is comfortable, and take comfort in the fact that you have given him a wonderful life. Best wishes

Fri Nov 07, 2003 2:12 am

I'm really sorry about Rogue...it's good that you can keep him with you. A week isn't much time to us, but every day you can give him love and comfort is worth something.

It's hard. They are such fragile creatures, and their natural lifespans are so short even with the best of health. I wonder sometimes why we set ourselves up for the heartbreak, too. Then I think of the days when they lighten my heart instead...and there are more days like that...and I think about rats that don't get this type of love and care, and I know I can't give them up.

All the best to you and Rogue.

_________________
~Abita and the Rat in a Box rats

In loving memory of Krycek, Rizzo, Curly, Bob, Witter, Kono, Rat, Pinky, Olie, Metro, Calle, Cinnamon Schwartz, Mr. Ratburn, Arwen, Leather, Ohana, Zoe, and Mr. Mistoffelees

Fri Nov 07, 2003 4:34 am

It's so hard to lose them but I find it's harder when I don't have any rats in my life at all. The love and joy I get from them is worth the pain of losing them.

I hope you and your boy still have time to share together--I know he is grateful that you are there to help him to the Bridge.

PatTheRat and The BB's

_________________
PatTheRat and Cuervo
Gonzo the pudgey rat angel
================
Miss Piddy Pat at the Bridge--"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
--Jean Paul Richter

Fri Nov 07, 2003 4:38 am

Believe me, your rats would have lost so much more if you rehome them. You're not being selfish, your rats love you, and you them. Hug

_________________
Emily, Pyro (the rat who thinks he's a dog), and Liberty (the dog who thinks he'd like to eat the rat)

Fri Nov 07, 2003 4:46 am

Caretaker, everyone else has already said what I could. I can only add that we know you're doing your best, and I'm sure Rogue appreciates more than you'll ever know. s

_________________
Victor, Bandit, and Sparrow's Sweeties: Neiko & Roo. Sparrow's Boys: Oliver, Arthur, and Rabskuttle. The fRAT Boys: Jim, Jack, and George.
Good night, Witter, Kono, Rat, Olie, Metro, Calle, Mr. Ratburn, Arwen, Leather, Ohana, Zoe, Misto, and Kanga.

Fri Nov 07, 2003 5:49 am

I'm so sorry Caretaker Hug

It isn't your fault that your wee man is ill, so don't feel your rattuse would be better off with someone else.You're their human and they love you.
It is hard being owned by rats - their lives are so short in our terms. Whenever I've had to say goodbye to a beloved rattie I've always thought "No more"...but then I remember how much happiness these furry little angels bring.

Losing a rat, no matter what the circumstances, is always heartbreaking. It's not something one ever gets used to happening. However, the heartache is the price we pay for the joy of loving these wee critters and the love they bestow on us.

_________________
Caroline
and the HAGGIS RATS

Sat Nov 08, 2003 8:45 am

I'm so sorry Cry

I've been where you are a few times, my heart broken and not sure if I can take anymore. But then I think about how much I would miss everyone if I rehomed them and they're still here. Rogue is such a lucky boy to have you there, keeping him close to you and comfortable. Everyone else has said it so well. I've lost two girls in the past couple of months, and it hurts so much when we lose them but when we remember the love shared in that short space of time, the heartache is well worth it I think Hug

_________________
Bridget & The Tabbies
Aoife, Hamish, Bruce & Isobel
RIP Emer, Tilda, Baby Weebles, Iris Luminous, Maeve, Fearghal, Louisa, Lili Lambkins, Avril & Iona