Rip Connor, Doyle & Gunn

[SpikesPuppy]

Yesterday, Tuesday the 25th of July, I helped 3 of my gorgeous, sweet ratboys across The Rainbow Bridge.

They were all well over 2 years, and lived a very spoilt life here.

Connor was the oldest, and until last week, he was the healthiest (or appeared to be). Mid last week he began to get hind-leg weakness but was still happy and alert. I cleaned the cage out yesterday morning and I went to give them some Vegemite on toast and Connor was very lethargic and clearly unhappy. He'd also lost control of his bladder. There was no question what had to be done.

He was a sweet boy, though very sensitive to change and would stress easily. He didn't like strangers but he loved cuddles from those he knew. He didn't like dog's much and was known to nip them on the nose if they came too close.

Gunn was the 2nd oldest, and for the last month or so he'd been somewhat agressive to both myself and the other boys, which we believe was due to him becoming blind and therefore getting frightened easily, he also had a tumor growing on one of his testicles. His coat became rough and coarse, with some thin patches but overall he remaind healthy and kept weight on well.

Gunn was sweet, but very independant, always wanting to do his own thing. He was also large and bossy, he was definately the Alpha in the cage.

Poor little Doyle has been weak all of his life, was a very small, feminine looking male, but he had the most wonderful personality, he was extremely outgoing and loved going for adventures- I often took him into the city with me, he'd ride along in a backpack, occasionally putting his head up to have a look or sitting on my shoulder, bruxing and chattering away in my ear.

In March this year he had 2 strokes, the first left him semi-paralysed in his hind legs and the 2nd left him semi-paralysed on his left side, but he still had his spirit, he never gave up and was always the first to the food bowl every evening, and if I took too long dishing the food out he would drag himself upto the edge of the cage and angrily rattle the bars telling me to 'hurry up!'.

Since his strokes he couldn't clean himself properly so I bathed him almost daily and brushed him with a soft puppy brush, which he loved and looked forward to every day. While he was incredibly thin and freaked people out, I knew he was happy, his eyes were bright and his coat was shiny. And his personality shone.

I had known that the end was coming for both Doyle and Gunn, but for it to be Connor who was really sick was a shock. But we made the decision to set them free together as they had been with eachother for over 2 years, and were very closely bonded with one another. I know they asre safe now, and restored once again, they will also be reunited with Wesley, their cagemate who died tragically last year due to a fall.

Love you boys, my Big Squishies Run free and have fun!

[feher]

Oh Honey...

Run free babies...

[peibe]

Such a nice tribute to some special ratties

Run free together guys

So sorry SP

[Guest Piximatosis]

SP...... I'm sorry.

Sleep sweet, rattyboys.

[dandydog]

Your lovely tribute showed just how special your little boys were to you, have fun Conner Gunn & Doyle playing "catch me if you can" with all the dogs and cats over the bridge.

[Bundyburger]

Oh SP

My heart sank when I saw the title...

RIP ratty boys you couldn't have asked for a better Mum.

[SpikesPuppy]

Thank you for your kind replies and virtual hugs, guys It means alot to be able to share these special little boys with you all.

I do wish that they didn't have such short lifespans, but for all the heartache, it's well worth it to be owned and loved by a rattus or two!

The boys were buried in a large pot (one of those rectangular ones), all together as they have been most of their lives. Some nice flowers (cannot for the life of me remmeber what kind!) have been added as well. I'm looking forward to them blooming in the Spring

I'm missing them of course, but my other 7 rakids are keeping my covered in whiskery kisses (and the girls are happy because I'll be renovating their cage next week - giving them Connor, Gunn & Doyle's section as well! Spoilt girlies!)