The death of a rat

The death of a rat might not seem like much to those who have never kept them for pets. You might think that they are dirty, smelly and boring little things just gnawing their way through life. Well, you'd be wrong.

Rats are social, clean, beautiful, entertaining, playful and smart. 

We have loved our rat boys Skrik and Panik from the start. They have brought so much joy into our life simply by being in it.

And now, one of them is gone, forever.

Skrik became rapidly ill this weekend and passed away last night.

There are a lot of painful things in this world, but watching someone you love be in pain is one of those things that belong on the top shelf you wish you'll never have to reach for.

Skrik was a couple of days away from turning three months. He was just a baby and some disgusting disease infected his tiny little body and took him over. Took him away from us.

There is a hole in my heart today. Every heartbeat hurts so bad, I think the pounding might break my chest.

I know... We should think about the upsides. It's better that it was fast, that he didn't have to suffer for very long. And not to forget - we still have one beautiful amazing rat left.

But it's hard so see light from such a dark place.

I'll try to be greatful for the short time we had with him. I'll try to be thankful that he is at peace now. And I'll try to make his brother feel like everything is as normal.

But I will not try to stop the sorrow or the anger. Because here is the truth of it - his death was not fair. Death rarely is.

Sweet, wonderful, amazing Skrik. You will be missed.