B. and I said goodbye to our rat Blinkin today after losing her sister Boo several months ago. Since December, Blinkin has developed multiple tumors, the first of which started very deep and encompassed much of her lower abdomen/hips. However, she remained active, social, and pain free until the last day. Last afternoon she suddenly developed complications from what was probably a uterine tumor, and we agreed it was time to bring her to the vet so that she could pass with minimal suffering. We spent a lot of time holding her before letting her go peacefully.
My heart is hurting. We loved our small critters so; they truly brought us together as a team. Losing them both feels very final, and while I don't have the heart to clear out the cage today, it is sad to have it stand empty of critters.
In 2 years they latched on to our hearts big time. I'm not at all exaggerating that Boo and Blinkin are a HUGE part of our deciding to get a dog, get married, and generally build a life/family together. They helped us be a great team and see sides of each other that hadn't come out before.
I also know we gave them pretty amazing lives, short as they may be. Today was a gorgeous and sunny day, and on so many days like this 2 years ago, when they were sleepy babies, I'd sit on the porch with the rats napping on my lap or inside my clothing. I know we'll have more rats down the line, but we will miss Boo and Blinkin greatly.