Winkle - Rainbow Bridge March 25, 2009‏

Last night Winkle was huddled in the corner of his hutch and was all fluffed out so we knew something was wrong. He wouldn't eat not even blueberries one of his favourites. We checked to make sure he wasn't blocked or anything like that - he wasn't. We wrapped him up in a towel and cuddled him gently all night. He made noises occasionally like he was in discomfort but would settle if I gently touched or stroked him. I woke up shortly before the alarm went off and he was still with us. When I woke up at 5 am he was gone. He was not quite 6 yrs old. The last of the original Critter Crew. Bye Winks - I love you and I miss you. Make sure you say hello to everyone and I hope Widget, Licorice, Smokes and Squeeeks were there to meet you and are showing you where all the best treats and timothy hay can be found. Say hi to Bruno, Thistle, Tipple-Scritch and Snipset for us. As well as all the other furry friends that have touched our lives. Say hi to the two legged ones too please.Thanks for being a part of my life. You were and are cherished.

Smokes - Sept 9 2003 - Feb 20 2009‏

Smokes died Friday night. We had been at a friends place in Toronto for dinner and got home late. When p went upstairs he found him I think he waited until he heard us come home because we could tell it had happened recently. He was a smart little guy. His teeth kept growing too long and he would let us know when it was time to go to the vet to trim them by running towards one of us and chattering his teeth loudly at us. I will miss him a lot. Smokes, hope you are having fun across the bridge with all those who have gone before you.

Socrates to the Rainbowbridge

p called me at about 2:20. He'd taken Socrates to the vet. Despite the many doses and two different kinds of antibiotics he is not getting better. He has a third abscess starting on his cheek and the other one has not even begun to drain - except perhaps through his ear. So, the vet felt, as do we, that it is only cruel to keep prolonging the pain. p said that even today it's gotten worse as anytime Socrates is touched he squeeks. Rats never squeek except under extreme duress.
I can't bear it. The poor little mite never harmed anyone. He's never once bitten anyone except his brother and that was in rough and tumble play. But even when we hurt him (to try and make him better) he never bit us. He would just squirm and lick and lick and kiss to try and make us stop.
What's even worse is I can't be there to say good-bye. I asked p to give him kisses for me. But I feel awful for p being there alone and having to drive back by himself with the little body. And I know he's crying.
Please please forgive us Socrates for any of the pain we've put you through. We love you very much and always will. Thank you for the time you have graced our lives with.