But they came. Six hours of driving to meet at a rest stop beside a major highway, and they came. They were good little travelers, trusting and friendly even though no one had ever held them, cuddled them or loved them. They wanted to please, they wanted to know the good things in life and were willing to trust me even though they had only ever known big hands taking their babies away to feed other animals.

I looked at them and saw spirit. But even if I had seen broken old women who bit and threw fits every time you came near, I would have taken them home and loved them just the same.

They've only been "home" for the past few weeks, and were a joy the be with. Always wanting attention, pets, cuddles, giving kisses and living it up. They were always more eager to take the food from my fingers than the bowl I always kept filled for them...

And last night the first of my little rescue angels has passed on.

I'm so sad, even though I knew when I brought them home they wouldn't live long. I just feel like I didn't have enough time to show them how good it could be... none of them look the best. They're old, all of them near to the two year mark... the "mamma" passed away last night. Big agouti hooded girl, blind in one eye.

They were all our "pretty girls", our "babies"...

Seems with the passing of Missa, they're all looking worse... I knew they didn't have much time left... but I wish they had stayed longer...

 

how very sad.  I am so sorry for your and your ratties loss

How very lucky for her that she got to meet you and experience what life could really be like before she left you.

I'm so sorry.  I know how easy it is to get very attached to a rescue, even though they sometimes live just a short while.  I'll always have a special place in my heart for Raymond, who live with me only 6 months.  He had spent his life in a 10 gallon aquarium with nothing but a food dish and water bottle.  He learned all of the fun things rats could do and had the time of his life for about 6 months.  I still miss him.

   I'm so sorry, but you know that rescues just somehow know that you saved them and loved them. She knew, they all know....hugs from me and my ratties

No matter how long they are with us, a month or three years, it is never ever enough time.  

Please be at peace in your heart, knowing that Missa spent her remaining (earthly) time in a home where she was very much appreciated and spoiled, and most importantly, loved and wanted.   And had a forever home.

 

i'm sitting here at my desk at work crying...that is such a sad situation
well...it was sad and now those poor 'babies' know love and affection

It is a wonderful thing that you are doing, knowing that their time is limited and your heart will break with the passing of each life.

You are my hero  

I'm so glad she got to live out her last few weeks loved and happy.  I'm sorry that she left so soon.

I'm so sorry to hear about her passing.  At least she did get to see that love, and kindness and the wonder that is within every animal lover's heart.  She's at the Bridge now, looking over you and her friends, no longer in pain, no longer in agony, and having had that chance to really be loved.