It was with great sadness that the Paternal Optimist learnt of the passing away yesterday of Rodney the Rat, much-loved pet to the Boy Wonder. Bereavement is never easy, and the PO sends his heartfelt sympathy to the BW in this moment of sadness.
He also offers the following words of wisdom, gleaned from the site Rat Planet, which he hopes will help the BW to come to terms with his loss - and remind him that, though it may not be immediately obvious, Rodney's sibling Wilbur is hurting inside too, and needs the BW's affection now more than ever :
The hardest part of caring for a beloved companion is knowing when to let go. Your rat may let you know when he’s had enough, and will stop eating and drinking. If he shows no interest in life and has no quality of life left, if he is suffering or in pain, and if you have tried every option to make his life easier and improve his health, you have to offer one last kindness … and let go.
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Your rat will always be in your memories, and in time you will remember the good days. How he used to play with a particular toy, or gnaw through your favourite book. These are the good memories. No one can take those away. Rats also grieve for their cage-mates, and will often rush around looking into the places they used to snuggle or play. A bereaved rat can suffer just as we do. Give them extra love and snuggles to help them get over the loss too. Some say it has helped their remaining rats if the body of the deceased rat is laid in the cage with them for a short while. This way, they learn that their friend hasn’t simply deserted them. Of course, this is entirely up to you, and some people may not feel comfortable with this. This is completely understandable.
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