Goosemoose Pet Portal

I wasn't sure where to put there, but though the story is long - it's meant to be here because of the main reason i'm writing this whole thing.

I try to visit the forum on a daily basis, though i no longer post like i used to.  Life has run away with me.  But i am here now, desperately needing the support that we all know this wonderful forum can provide.

I had hands down the worst experience of my life on Friday night.  I came home from work, took care of the animals (was in and out a lot, but still don't know how i didn't notice sooner), and then prepared to take a shower.  I started to notice a funky smell.  I was stuffed up quite badly, so i couldn't quite put my finger on what i was smelling.  To make a long story not quite as long, the smell got stronger and stronger.  My nose started to clear up (in afterthought, probably from the smell), and i realized it smelt like gas.  Now, mind you, there is not supposed to be any kind of gas or propane going to my house whatsoever.  This left me quite stumped.  I walked around, trying to figure out where it was coming from.  There used to be natural gas coming to this house, but everything was switched over to propane years ago.  From there - it has since been switched to ALL electric.  After a few minutes, i started to panic.  It was getting so strong that it was burning my nose.  I found that it was strongest by the kitchen table, where the basement door is.  By this point i'm on the phone with my mom, we're screaming at eachother because i'm panicking, she's panicking, and neither of us know what is happening.  So like the smart (sarcasm) person i am, i crack the basement door and stick my nose up into the crack.  I take a huge whiff.  It knocked me off of my feet... when i fell back the door opened almost completely, and it was like a WALL of gas fumes just smacking me in the face... filling the whole entire house at an insanely fast pace.

By this point, two of my dogs were going crazy.  Sensing what was going on, i think.  I opened the door and let them outside, while grabbing Screech (cat) by the scruff and throwing him bodily out of the house.  All i could think in my head was "This place could blow up at any second!"  There was no chance in hell of catching my two kittens, Milo and Mia.  They are too wild.

To try to shorten the story even more, i was forced out of the house... i wanted to shut all the lights off, afraid that the slightest spark would blow the whole neighborhood to pieces.  But i couldn't breath.  I made it out to my driveway, while my mom called 911 on her cell phone because i was too freaked out to get off the phone with her.  By this point i'm crying hysterically because two cats, and all of my rats, were still inside.  My neighbor was out in her garage and heard the commotion.  She pointed out the 'noise' coming from the old natural gas regulator outside of my house.  It was "swooshing" and definitely going into my house, how or why... i couldn't figure out at the time.  She ran into the house to shut the one light off, afraid of the same thing i was, and she came out and couldn't believe how strong it was.   She thought i was just having a little gas leak and was over reacting.

It didn't take long for the firefighters to get there and shut the gas off to my house.  They too, couldn't believe how bad it was.  They actually said to me "Come on, lets go air you out." And had me take them into the house.  I got two feet inside and the one actually grabbed me and pretty much pushed me back out.  They had to put on masks and go in to get the rats and open the windows and doors.  Then they put two or three HUGE fans by the doors to air it out.  I wasn't allowed in at all. 

By this point they're asking me if i need an ambulance,  i'm completely freaked out.  I thought i felt alright, so told them no.  Three of my rats were found dead when they tried to bring them all out.  The only cage they couldn't bring completely out into the yard was my FN.  They did good though, they got all the rats out of it and added them to my small cage of "i can squeeze through the FN bars" males.  But three of my babies didn't make it that far.  Levi, Vorhee's, and Brooklyn, one of my little dwarf rats.

The rest of them didn't look good at all.  I just couldn't even fathom losing them, i was in complete shock.  It was lightly raining, and FREEZING (just happened to be one of the coldest nights of the year so far) - my neighbor volunteered to take them into her house.  Everyone within a 5 mile radius was pulling into my house, my mom, everyone.  I just wanted to check on my babies, i just wanted to find out HOW this happened.  Eventually almost everyone had to leave the premises, gas was also leaking out of the ditch by my driveway into the whole neighborhood.

Skipping a bunch of details, i ended up having to be rushed to the ER.  I was on oxygen for hours, and had to be on IV's.  They pumped a whole bunch of drugs into me.  Milo, one of the cats i couldn't initially get out, had to be taken to the ER clinic.  And here i was, hooked to a bunch of machines, unable to know what was happening to my babies.  I got out at 3am, only to find out that two more of my rats hadn't made it.  We took the rest of them to the clinic, but were told there wasn't much they could do besides more of what was done to me - oxygen.  To clear out their systems.

Here i am today, i still feel slightly ill (don't know if its the stress of everything, or still feeling  the effects)... and a few of my babies are still not in the clear.  Come to find out, the township was moving the ditches and cut the gas line going to the house a few houses down from me.  So the gas well worker had to come and shut the gas off to that house.  Somehow - when he did that, he turned on the OLD lines going to my home.  As far as i was aware - we were no longer connected to that well.  There was a big lawsuit years ago, before the house was put up for sale, about this.  I was originally told that he did this at 6pm.  I got home at about 6:40.  But after speaking to the owners of the well, they said more like 3pm.  So my basement was filling up with gas for hours.  Maybe if i hadn't been sick, i could have smelt it sooner...

The owner of the gas well pretty much told me that he will cover the medical expenses - as long as this is civil.  Civil??? How can i be civil???  :-\

I was planning on writing out memorials to all of my lost babies, and the ones that need healing thoughts - but i will have to come back.  Oddly enough, only one of my male rats survived.   I figured out why - my FN was sitting right in front of the cold air return for the basement.

Wow, I am so sorry. That is terrible. I just can't imagine. I will definitely keep you and your animals in my thoughts and prayers.

oh my god. i am soooo sorry about your losses. i cant even begin to imagine what you must be feeling. i would tell the neighbor there is no price that can be put on loosing your babies.i pray that they just peacefully went to sleep and didnt suffer  :'(

Oh my god I am so so sorry! What a tragedy, but you have to know that you did what you could. Trying to go back in there to get them you probably would have passed out, or worse. It isn't your fault and that gas well owner damn well better pay all medical expenses for you and your animals as well as any future problems that may arise because of this... and more in my opinion. It is SO insane, and completely unacceptable that they could make a mistake like that. What if this had happened when people were asleep!

I am so sorry that you had so many losses. I will keep you and all your pets in my thoughts  :heart:

 :'(  How terrible!  But the situation could have been much worse, as someone mentioned, if you and your mom had been sleeping.  You all could have died!   :puppy_dog_eyes:  I am very sorry you lost some of your precious babies.  Depending on how the situation turns out you may want to contact a lawyer regarding a civil suit.  Best of luck to you, and lots of healing thoughts to your recovering babies.  :heart:

Oh my gosh, I am sooo sorry. That is such a horrible thing to have happen!! I am just so glad you made it out ok. I am so sorry for your poor ratties. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. My thoughts are with you..

Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry to hear that. It must've been so scary! I'm sorry you had to go through that, and I'm sorry for your losses. That seriously sucks.
(((((hugs))))) to you  :worry:

I have tears in my eyes as I read your note.  I'm so sorry for what you've gone through and that you've lost so many of your rats.  :(  Yes, you're so fortunate that you were able to save your own life.  But that doesn't make it any easier to handle losing the pets that you've lost.  :heart:  I would definitely go talk to a lawyer.  These people have to pay your medical expenses (and the costs of caring for your pets) no matter what.  I really think you need some good legal advice right now.

HUGE hugs to you!  If there is something that we can do to help you, please let us know.   :heart:

Deb

I just got a phonecall that my sweetheart Sugarsheep has passed away.  :'(

But on the good news, the remaining boy can come home.  My little dwarf, Brady.   :heart:  Along with the rest of the girls, besides my Oxana.  She's note doing very good at all, its not looking promising for her.  But my other girls are coming home.  I feel relief.  I was able to bring one girl home yesterday, one of my youngest, Ariana.  She held up well. 

Please pray for Oxana and...Goodbye to my Sugarsheep  :'(
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/ratgirl87/100_3189.jpg)
Sweet Sugardale.. aka my Sheepy-head. 
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/ratgirl87/100_1201.jpg)
Honey, please stay strong and come home to me.


And a tribute to the three who didn't even make it out of the house.  I'm so sorry you had to go through this, i think about how panicked you must have felt, and i feel like my heart is being ripped out of my chest.  I am so sorry.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/ratgirl87/100_1833-2.jpg)
Brooklyn, you were the most quirky and 'fun' rat i've ever had.  There will never be another like you.  I remember the time you jumped off of the computer desk, making a flying leap until the couch.  You looked so proud of yourself, putting mommy into such a state.  You scared me!  You will be sorely missed, i'll never forget how it felt when you'd squeeze your little self against my neck, you were so small and fragile.  I ache for knowing how quickly you must have passed on, your little body was probably the first to go.  I love you.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/ratgirl87/100_31522.jpg)
And Levi, sweet sweet boy.  Some of the happiest months of my life were when you were here.  You were far too young to go so tragically.  I can't believe this happened.  I don't understand why it had to be you, one of my favorite boys of all time.  Does that make me sound like a bad person?  I didn't even get to say goodbye to you.  Your sisters are okay, but your mommy is still in the hospital.  I hope she doesn't join you so soon, but if she does, i'll have her kiss you for me.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/ratgirl87/100_0873-1.jpg)
Vorhee's, my old man.  My teddy bear.  My squishy lump of love.  You weren't doing good to begin with, i knew i'd have to part with you eventually.  But i never thought it would be so soon, or like this.  I'm going to miss your kisses and giving you belly raspberries every morning, they used to light up my day.  You never failed to make me feel better, even when i was so stressed out that i couldn't think straight.  I thank you for that, and i'll never forget.

What sweet pictures.  I'm soooo sorry!   :heart:   :'(

Deb

That was a beautiful tribute. I hope that the rest of your babies pull through everything alright.

These tributes are hard.  I'm sorry that i seem unable to spell/form coherent sentences.  :-\

I'm going to pick up my babies.  Thank you all so much for your kind replies, its nice knowing that there are people out there that understand that, to me, they aren't "just" rats.

And on a side note, Milo is also coming home.  He's alright, was just feeling a wee bit "drunk" for a little bit.  :heart:

This has also brought tears to my eyes. I just cannot imagine what it would be like to be in this situation. My heart aches for you and all of your lost little ones.  :'(

This made me cry, I'm so sorry.  What a tragedy I hope it all works out. Rest well baby ratties. I never thought gas could be so deadly in such a short time.

That's so frightening!  I'm so sorry for your loss *hugs* how horrific.  I'm so sorry this happened, I have your remaining sick little ones in my thoughts.  Thank god no fire resulted. 

I'm sorry, I know you have enough stress right now, but you should really consider sueing the gas well owner. Not only did he kill your rats, but he almost killed you. He needs to pay for a lot more than just you and your pets medical bills. He needs to pay for your pain and suffering.
None of this was your fault at all, you did everything you possibly could. I can't even imagine (and I don't want to either) what your going through.
But really, this was gross negligence on that guys part, and he needs to pay for it. Get a lawer asap.

Oh my.  I'm sorry.  But, you are extremely lucky to be alive.  In Alaska we loose a couple people a year to carbon monoxide poisoning, if this had come at any other time, you are likely to have died.  Get a lawyer, and a good one fast, these people owe you far more than just your medical bills.  They owe you for the stress you have, and will have to endure.  They owe you for souls they killed.  They owe you for nearly killing you.

I wish their was something I could do.  Take this virtual hug, and remain strong.  Love the rats you have left.

Pink

 :BlueDumboBigEyes:

I am so so sorry for your losses.
How terribly tragic. *hugs*

If I even get a tiny whiff of gas, I flip out.
It's one of my biggest fears, losing rats like that.  I'm so sorry you had to go through this.
I hope the folks who made this terrible mistake are punished.

Melissa

Thanks so much to all of you, i knew i could count on you for much needed understanding!

The actual owner of the gas well was out of town when this happened.  The worker who turned the wrong valve did come turn it all off.  It took the fire dept almost 45 minutes to reach somebody.  The mans ex wife is actually the one who was finally able to get a hold of the owners wife, who then in turned called him.  He was on a train heading home when this all happened.  The worker was shaking in his boots, and the owners ex wife told me she about had a heart attack, she heard this on the scanner before anything else, and she thought the outcome was going to be much worse.

The owners wife did show up that night, and she was very frightened.  She kept saying "My husband is a good guy, he'll sort this out when he gets home!".  But... he doesn't want to take the blame.  He says that in theory, its not his fault because there should have been a "Plunger" in the regulator, and its not his fault that there wasn't.  He says the previous owners must have removed it in an attempt to 'get to his gas' without his knowledge.  But I had no knowledge that there was ANY chance of gas still coming to this house.  I would have taken precautions had i known.  I mean c'mon.  I was under the understanding that there was no chance in hell, because of the previous lawsuit trying to retain rights to the gas well (big family dispute).  My neighbor is actually the owner of the gas wells brother.  Him and his wife called me this evening, they are urging me to at least call the EPA.  I can't even think straight right now, but i know i am not going down without a fight.  I did walk out to the gas well the next morning, even after only two hours of sleep.  I was sure he'd have somebody out there fixing everything up to standard - the whole way he has this set up is illegal.  The reason the township hit the line with a mower was because they didn't know the line was there.  For one it has to be buried, and for two: it should be charted so they know its there.  I took pictures of everything.  Where it was coming out of the ditch.  Where it was coming into my house.  The big oil tanks back at the well, with NO emergency contact numbers or identification numbers on them whatsoever.  The piece the township hit with the mower, which is just sitting right by the ditch, not even buried in the slightest way.  Its PLASTIC for crying out loud.  The man was trying to blame everyone but himself.  He said it was a "Suicide wish" to not cap off the lines in the basement. We thought they were dead.  Had we tore them out this spring like we had planned, what would have happened when he turned that wrong valve? it still would have leaked out somewhere.  If somebody had come down the road and thrown a cigarette out, they would have blown up the whole neighborhood because it was leaking out of the ditch too!!! He tried blaming me, the previous owners, the township, and EVERYONE but himself. 

He said 10 times he'd only pay my medical bills if it stays civil and "No papers show up at his house".  He was adament about that.  So basically, if i took him to court, he'd fight. 

When i went to take pictures, one of the "Bromine" i think it is called... tanks... was leaking everywhere.  I got pictures of that too.  This man is in BIG trouble.  I don't know the first thing about this stuff, but i will consult a lawyer on Monday.

The lines travel all the way through my neighbors yard, under the road, and to my house.  If it would have blown, it would have blown up EVERYTHING from here to the well.  It could have been horrible.

I'm REALLY glad that you went out and documented the situation with pictures!  Smart move!!!  You're right -- it sounds like the whole thing could have been even more horrifying.  :(

Deb

Those were beautiful tributes and I will certainly keep Oxana in my thoughts.  :heart: I'm so so sorry that this happened. Nobody should have to go through tragedies like this that could easily be preventable with some common sense and compassion for those who might be hurt by carelessness and greed! That man sounds like such a [non PG word]!
You should definitely contact a lawyer though. The more you describe it the more unsafe it sounds! That could have been a HUGE disaster and that well owner is VERY MUCH to blame, wether he wants to admit it or not. Good for you standing up to him! Please keep us updated on your little girl  :heart:

My sincerest condolences for what you are going through. What a tragedy. You need to make sure you are healthy enough, both mentally and physically before anything else. I do hope you seek justice though. Wishing you strength.
Terri

Sweetie, I am so sorry for your lose. At least you are okay  :heart:

I was keeping my composure as I read this very well until it came to the pictures of your babies who have passed.  :'( I can;t imagine the pain and anger you must be feeling. I am so sorry. *HUGS* :heart:

But...on the bright side, atleast it wasn't any worse, as you've found that it definitely could have been, right? And you still have surviving rats who will help to heal your heart. In my experience, their strength can help you feel stronger.

I can't say anything different or better than anyone else has already said it. Know that you and your rat kids are in my thoughts and prayers.  :heart:

This is such a scary story!! You must be so overwhelmed. Good luck with everything, this guy has got to take responsibility for his actions. And your poor babies... I can't even imagine. Much  :heart: to you and them. Keep us updated, we're all rooting for you!

i am so sorry for what you have gone thru!  it is horrible.  you can't be so careless with gas lines....consult some specialists and of course the township, county, state, and us regulations on this!!

Oh my goodness that is horrible!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your babies.  :'(

That is one of my biggest fears - something happening in the house and not being able to get the animals out. When coming up with emergency evacuation plans, we should all think about our animals. Keep carriers handy, so if we have ot we can grab and run. And where rats are concerned, throw all the girls in one and all the boys in another. If they are from separate cages and fight a little, that's ok, as long as they get out alive.

OMG this just brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't imagine going through this. I would contact a lawyer also. I'm so sorry for what happened to your babies  :'(

I am so sorry you lost some more of your babies  :heart:

Be sure to document EVERYTHING that happened, as soon as possible, while it is still fresh in your mind.  I would write it out by hand and be sure to date it.  This will come in handy if matters go legal, especially if you need to give a deposition.  Pictures were an awesome idea, I am so glad you got them!  Be sure those are dated too.  That is the best advice I can give for now, but be sure to tell the lawyer everything!  Keep us posted on this.

Finally, healing thoughts to your Oxana  :heart:

Oh god, I'm so, so sorry. What a horrible situation. :'( Situations like this are one of my biggest nightmares. I hope your heart can heal soon and, even though I know it won't help with the pain that you are feeling, that you can get some restitution.

I am so happy that you are getting a lawyer. This guy might try to fight, but he doesn't have a leg to stand on. Everything, all the blame falls on him. This guy could have criminal charges put against him.
Keep us updated.

I just found this post and burst into to tears while reading about your ordeal.  No one should have to go through what you went through.  I'm sorry about all of your losses.  :'(

Definitely fight this.  Good for you for remembering pictures...I'm not sure if I would have been level-headed enough yet to remember something like that.  :-\

Good luck with everything to come dealing with this.

And keep fighting Oxana  :heart:

Melissa

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I think that all of us feel a bit of what you feel, simply because this is one of the worst things we can think of for us and our animals.  I'm glad you are safe, and I agree.  If this guy is completely unsafe, he needs to be brought up on charges, both from the EPA, and civil courts, and criminal courts, if it can.  Greed is no reason to endanger so many lives!

*hugs*  I'm so sorry for such a tragic loss.  What an overwhelming situation, and I wish you the best possible outcome.  Look after yourself, and don't worry about keeping this civil.  The bills will be paid regardless.

I am so very sorry to hear about this awful situation!  Stay strong and take care of yourself and your remaining babies...keep us updated on how things are going.  {{HUGS}}} :heart:

Get a lawyer.  Don't assume he'll stand by his word because if he's not willing to accept the blame for damaging the line - which he obviously KNEW was there - then there's no promise he will pay the bills.  Oral agreements are NOT binding under law and let's be fair, he's trying to blame YOU for what you had no knowledge of.  Just because you knew about the lawsuit doesn't mean you knew about the status of the line.  He needs to be legally obligated for his negligence and pay not only your bills but your vet bills and restitution for the repairs to your home and land, as well as removal of the old line or at least repairs to it to ensure that this never happens again.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  I can't even imagine the terror you must have felt for your animals throughout the ordeal, particularly after having to leave a cage in your home.  I am, admittedly, glad to hear that you've made it out and hope that those who are home help you as I'm sure you're helping them with their own loss.  Keep us updated, k?  *hugs*

Oh wow, Amber, I am SO sorry  :'( I don't come on here much anymore either, but I saw this and that is just awful. I can't even imagine that happening. I hope this guy gets what (it sounds like) he deserves. Keep us posted!

I am so sorry. That has to be one of the most horrible stories I've heard. One of those awful things that happen without rhyme or reason ='(

You and your remaining babies will be in my prayers.

I can't imagine that happening. And I live next to a natural gas thing...it's just across the street.  :puppy_dog_eyes:

I absolutely want to echo this. I know from personal experience that you absolutely cannot trust someone just because they say that they'll do something. I would hate to see you get screwed over for being trusting. You definitely need legal counsel at this point. Undoubtedly.

Oh, I also want to add a precautionary note; if you ever have another problem like this [and I sincerely hope you don't], don't flip a light switch. Even turning a light off can sometimes cause a spark and ignite the gas.

I'm also glad you were awake when this happened, and at home. Try to look at the bright side through all of this.  :heart:

I cried reading this, especially reading the memorials.  This is one of my worst fears, loosing my my pets like this.  I am so so sorry.  :'( :'( :'(

I have two of Sheep's babies.  Amber I am so sorry! I just now saw this!  How awful! I have always had a fear of a fire and not being able to get everyone out in time. 

As an attorney, I echo the sentiment that you consult a local attorney.  From what I see here, if there IS a fight you could well win, and I'm talking a fairly large amount of money, for what you have been through; but you should consult counsel without delay.

I am so sorry for what happened to you, and your critters :'(

I feel like a broken record but I'm so sorry for your loss. This was a tragic event that shouldn't have occurred. Don't you worry about "keeping things civil", he's clearly in the wrong and he's trying to save his sorry arse. His negligence and unwillingness to accept any sort of responsibility for what happened is disgusting. You're doing all the right things by documenting it with pictures, taking notes, and seeking legal help.

My heart truly aches for you.. no one should have to go through this. Again, I'm so, so, sorry. I'm sending lots of hugs and healing vibes your way for you and your pets. :heart: :heart: If there's a way GM can help, I'm sure we'd be willing to pitch in.

I just saw this thread today...I'm so sorry for your losses.  Is there any update on the situation?

I can't even begin to fathom what you're going through. Those of us who have experienced the inevitable heartbreak of losing a pet know that truly there are no words that can be offered which can begin to take away the pain. My sincere condolences are with you and your miracle survivors. Your angels knew they were loved.

OMG, that's horrible.  :'(  (Sitting at work crying) It's discusting that the man is trying to blame you.  :o Definitely take his butt to court. I know I'm always paranoid about the gas in my house, and I know it's there. If you haven't already, buy a carbon monoxide alarm. Mine has gone off when I had a gas leak. Keep your head high, and heart strong. Lot's of hugs your way.

Oh honey...I can't even imagine...my heart goes out to you and your ratties, and I would sue his butt for sure! I don't see how is isn't feeling so guilty that hes hasn't already given you money!

Holy crap...thank god you weren't asleep when this gas leak occurred! And I'm sorry some of your babies didn't make it. =( It could have been much worse and you might not be here posting all this...... :::::::::::::hugs:::::::::::


I do 100% agree with other that you should consult a lawyer. Just because the guy says he's going to pay medical bills and what not...doesn't mean he actually WILL...and what about the bills for your pets having to be rushed to Evet?? Seek professional advice about it...not just for yourself, but so that THOSE people are more careful next time and do everything according to the book to prevent this from happening again to someone else.

I am in shock just reading this, and in tears. I can't imagine how you must feel. But I'm sending you and your remaining babies lots of hugs and thoughts of healing. I hope all the legal stuff works out okay, that man absolutely deserves to be sued.

I apologize wholeheartedly for not updating for so long.

If the truth be told i have avoided the rat section of the forum.  I've been around the dog and cat forums lately, but didn't have the heart to come here.  It's horrible of me when you guys are being so supportive, but it is so overwhelming still.  I'll never "get over" any of this, but things are starting to settle down a little bit now.

I still do not feel like i can go into details, i do not want to open this wound up.  I can't even hardly think about writing memorials.  Who  do i start with?  What do i say?  It's so hard.  I do not want to say how many rats that i lost through this ordeal, but i will say that i now have 4 rats still with me.  I didn't lose them all, but i came very close.  One of these rats was 32 months old and recently passed away from natural causes, but the rest of the recent deaths were all from this incident.  Ironically one of my surviving females was one of my oldest rats, and she's still hanging on.  But it's with bitterness and resentment that i think about having to put her to sleep - which will need to happen very soon.  Not towards her, but towards the person who did this to me.

Even just everyday life has changed drastically.  On the bright side i have a new found appreciation for every moment that i have with my animals, and even just every moment that i have myself! But when i walk past the rat cage, it is so different.  One cage, four rats.  I haven't had less than 10 rats in years.  I haven't had less than three cages in years.  Not to mention that I have lost pretty much everything that i worked for as a rat breeder.  Yes, my lines are still living on with other breeder's, but they aren't "mine" anymore.  I will not be able to continue on with that.  I was already only planning on breeding one litter a year, but i had hoped to keep my lines going and not lose the 6 years of hard work i put into it.  I don't know that i could start over.  It's a little thing, but it bothers me because i was still looking into the future with such optimism. 

As for the legal aspect of things - that has been a challenge.  I think that's one thing that depressed me the most.  I was told by more than one lawyer that because nobody died, there's not much that i can do.  Like the rats mean nothing.  I was told by one that "At least you didn't die, or one of your dogs." Like the CATS nor RATS matter at all.   This same one told me that if he was willing to pay my medical bills, i should just save the hassle and let it go because i wouldn't be able to get much out of it in the long run.  I'm not a greedy person by any means, but i have suffered greatly through this.  There for a few weeks i just let it go.  I was too overwhelmed by everything to listen to all these people telling me that losing my rats didn't mean much.  When i told the one that i am a rat breeder and i lost 6 years of work, he jumped on that.  But then he learned that i had no profit, and backed off like "Ohh, darn." I mean c'mon now. 

Right now the owner of the gas well is being investigated, and the person under his employ who turned the wrong valve is being put on the spot.  I am not informed of many details, but i know the EPA is involved and as far as i'm concerned, as long as this man is not allowed to operate gas wells anymore and has to pay for his negligence, then i'm happy. 

I did manage to get a lawyer thankfully, and we are taking it as it comes as far as this side of things goes.  My medical bills and vet bills have all been paid and settled.  So far so good on that aspect of things, and it angers me that this man pulled that amount of money out of his rear end (It was a large amount almost all came through at once, my medical bills came two weeks after he paid the vet bill) and then treated me like he was doing me a favor.  "I know you're young and can't afford this expense, that's the only reason i'm helping you." is what he had the GALL to say to me.

Needless to say, writing this has put me on edge and i feel like i could smoke a whole pack of cigarettes.  So i'm taking a stroll outside, and i apologize again for not acknowledging how much i appreciate every last one of your replies.  Please, know that i did.  :heart:

I'm so sorry your having to go through this still.  I could never image loosing all the rats you did, I've only lost a couple, and each one of those has torn at my heart.  Thank you for updating, I greatly appreciate it, though I understand it is hard for you.  Hopefully the man eventually has to pay for what he did, but unfortunately the world doesn't put much stock into "just rats".

Don't worry about your lack of posts, things are hard for you, and sometimes, they can be too much to confront.  Just know that we are all here, caring deeply for you.

Pink

((hugs)) and thanks for the update.  I know how hard this was for you to do.  We are all still supporting you.

I have tears running down my cheeks, I am deeply sorry for your losses and I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling.. My love goes out to you and your beloved animals.  :heart:

Pepsi, my old girl that i mentioned in my last post is not doing good today at all.  She seems to have lost most of her body mass over the last few days and she's very lethargic.  I think i'm going to take her to work with me tomorrow and say goodbye to her.  It's so hard.  She fought through this, she was one of the STRONGEST and healthiest rats that came home to me after this tragic ordeal.  She's such a fighter.  For some reason this is going to be one of the hardest rats to say goodbye to.  :'(

I'm thinking about maybe adopting a few ratties.  I miss my boys so much (only my females survived, the only surviving boy was my little Dwarf boy and he passed away mysteriously after coming home from the clinic - two days later, i think it was probably related to the gas poisoning) - i would love to find an older pair of boys to rescue.  It's a big step and i feel like it's too soon, but i don't know what to do with myself without having the FN to clean every day.   :puppy_dog_eyes:

Oh my God.  I only noticed this thread today.  I can't believe that happened!  I would find it EXTREMELY hard to be "civil" too.  Your animals died!  You could have died!  Wtf??  I'm so glad you're okay after all that.  I'm very sorry for your losses though.  That would be so difficult.  I can understand how you would find it too hard to write memorials for them.

(((HUGS)))   When you find the right boys to adopt, you'll know, and then it won't feel like "too soon".  Don't rush, just keep your eyes (and your heart) open.   :heart:

I'm so sorry to hear about all of this. It just sounds too horrific to even imagine. That man should be seriously punished for all of that, it's ridiculous. Many hugs, and good thoughts coming your way.

"Nobody died?" WHAT??? I'm so sorry for what you are going through, and for someone to say that is just wrong.

Can't the guy get charged for something like 'negligence resulting in bodily harm and animal distress' or something like that? Surely it is criminal what he did.

I had tears rolling down my face as I read this. I can't put into words how awful you must feel. Just think of all the worse things the could have happened.  :worry: That's so terrible. That guy sounds like such a jerk.  >:(

I will be praying like mad, and sending healing thoughts to the sick furbabies! *hug*