what do you think?

[Lady]

My mother thinks that I should not get any more rats (or any other lil hamster, mouse etc)
because they don't live long and I get "too upset" when they die 
I cry and I feel depressed and guilty. But I love them.
 So what do y'all think about this? How do you act/feel when your pets die......etc?

thanks

[LifeInCircuit]

It's completely normal to greive the loss of someone or something you love. I will cry if I have a fish die, let alone a rattie who loved me back!

[Kendra]

That is, in my opinion, one of the few drawbacks about being a rat owner.  Their lifespans aren't anywhere near what they should be.    Only you can decide if you can handle it.  I've lost nineteen now, and have one who is not doing well.  It doesn't get any easier, unfortunately.  I can honestly say that every time I lose one, I say to myself "that's it, no more, once the ones I have have passed, I am not getting any more.  This hurts too much," but I always end up with more.  They are just so very loving and worth it, to me.  However, for some people, dealing with the losses so frequently is just too much.  It doesn't make anyone better or worse, or mean that one person loves their rats more.  It's just a personal difference, and each person has to decide that for him/herself.

[RKEM]

It's normal and I've also had loved ones recommend that I not get anymore rats when they saw how upset I was when one died. I've even thought about giving up rat ownership altogether but then I realised something : when I get a rat I get 2 or more years of joy, fun, love and happyness and then maybe a few days or weeks of sadness if they are sick and then a few really crappy day once they pass away.

To me the positive part far outweighs the negative parts. When one of my babies passes away I start by thanking them for being my rat and thank them for all the love they brought into my life and I try to remember the great times that we had together rather than the sick and sad times. But I will always feel crappy for at least a day or two. Some rats are harder to lose than others but it always hurts because when you love something or someone, it is bound to hurt when you lose them.

[knuckles]

each person is different, but for me, the joy they bring into my life for their short lifespan outweighs the sadness I feel when they die.

[LuvRats2]

I have to agree with the others - the loss is hard, but of course it is - you love them. If we didn't care we wouldn't grieve. It's normal to grieve and personally, I think it's worth grieving over. These little guys are worth the pain
of loss to me. I'd rather have a year of something wonderful with one of them and have fond memories to
make me smile for a lifetime than never have known that at all. Plus, I know I'm giving another living creature a good quality of life they may not have otherwise had. Also, I'm sure the ratties are so thankful for the love we give them.

LR2

[rosie and lucy]

My mum told me the exact same thing a few years ago. I made my decision. I have now had six pass and have owned a total of 15 rats. It doesn't get any easier and it is always upsetting, but for me it is always worth it.

[Suebee]

each person is different, but for me, the joy they bring into my life for their short lifespan outweighs the sadness I feel when they die.

What she said.

[Dearpie]

I remember the anguish and pain I felt when I lost my first few rats.  Yes, it does seem unbearable at times.  However, it does get "easier", but not entirely.  Eash passing hurts bad.  Real bad.  Especially when we lose 'our favorites.'  But, when I think about the joy and love I've received during their short lifetimes, I have no regrets about bringing rats into my life.  I always say, "NO MORE", but then another rat or two end up needing me, and who am I to say no?  Luckily, so far, those 'extras' have been spaced far enough between that I can easily take them in. 

As the saying goes, "To the world, you are one person.  To a rat, you are the world."

[Nelly]

Yep, what the others said. I've had 2 former rat-owned friends say to me in recent months that they won't have rats again because the 2 years or so - if you're lucky - isn't enough.  They're right, of course it isn't. 10 years with these fabulous creatures wouldn't be enough. But what they bring is immeasurable.

Of course I have and will get upset when any of my animal friends - rats or cats - cross the Bridge.  But I try to remember that each day is a special gift that I'm fortunate to have been chosen to receive.  It's quality not quantity.  My rats have made me feel more loved in their lifetimes than my husband did in all the years I was with him!

[Michelle000064]

Heck! I grieve when I read the post from anyone whos lost a rattie or is about to lose a rattie  grieving must be the way then cuz I haven`t even got my ratties yet, Oh dear  Whats it gonna be like  
I'm soooo excited about getting my boys, but this part scares me.