Question:
I had to have Louisa euthanized this morning. When I went to give them their pablum and bananas, I saw that one of her cancerous tumours - the one on her side - split open and she was bleeding a small bit. I knew this day was coming, but I still wasn't prepared. She passed away quietly this morning at the vet's office. She was energetic and bright-eyed to the last, in no pain at all, despite the fact that she had three cancerous tumours (I found a new small one on her chest this morning). She was a brave, brave girl and I hated to let her go so soon when she still had so much life in her. But there was no other way.
I fell in love with Louisa after seeing her baby photo on my breeder friend's website and named her right on the spot. A couple of attempts to fly her down to me from Ontario failed and it wasn't til she was six months old that she made her way here with China Blue to live with us. That was in June of 2003. So our time together wasn't long.
The other rats are taking her death really hard. Avril, who'd been her buddy for the past few months, refused to go near her when I put her in the cage after we got back from the vet. She ran down to the bottom of the cage. Lili curled up next to her and went to sleep. That's the really heartbreaking part of it. They're usually okay when one of our group passes, but I think it's losing her so soon after losing Fearghal...
Here's a baby photo of Louisa - this is the photo that made me fall in love with her:
Here's Louisa with China Blue, shortly after coming to live with us:
Here she is at Fearghal's 2nd birthday party, sneaking some of his cake:
There are no words to describe how much I'm going to miss her. But she's with Fearghal now, probably pinning him to the ground and grooming him as she loved to do. Her attitude was 'I'm going to groom you, whether you like it or not!' They're together again, and that's not a bad thing at all.


Answer:
I am so very sorry you have to go through two big losses in such a short time. I can't even imagine how much that hurts
I hope you can find a bit of comfor t in knowing the fearghal is up there showing her around the bridge.


Answer:
I'm sorry that this had to be, and while you mentioned you were expecting it, I can understand why you were (why anyone is) never truly prepared for it.
Here's hoping that the other ratties cheer up soon.


Answer:
aww thats so sad bridget, sorry to hear that your ratties are coming to that age where anything can happen. please take care of yourself ok?


Answer:
I am so sorry, Bridget. It is hard enough losing one...let alone two. Take care.


Answer:
Bridget I am so sorry I bet her and cupcake are showing each other around the bridge playing and seeing what mischeif they can get into. My thoughts are with you as I know your heart is breaking today and just know im joining you today.


Answer:
I'm sorry Bridgit.. It is sad losing two so close to one another but they are together again.. Hang in there!


Answer:
Ah! She was such a beautiful girl! I am so sorry about this. Such a sad day.


Answer:
Oh Banshee no! I'm so sorry. Two of your little babies in such a small time frame (kind of like Shadowlark), that's the saddest thing. I hope your other animals are helping to cheer you up. If Isobel wears your shoes then maybe Aoife will put on a bra.
I'm just so sorry.


Answer:
I am saddened to hear this She was a wonderful rattie. But you're right, she gets to see Fearghal again, and that's not so bad