i know how hard it is lose a pet (whether natural or being put down). i just wanted to share this website, it helped me tremendously and i hope it can help some of you too. the website also had a page on "pre-loss grief" which i did not realize existed until i read it. so if you are dealing with an elderly rat or very ill rattie (or any pet) and know the time is coming, please read that page.
i am sorry for all you losses, fellow rat lovers, i know how hard it can be.

http://www.pet-loss.net/surviving.html

Thank you for sharing this site.  After my little rattie had been to and from the vets for a week, he finally suffered organ failure and I had to let him go.  I must have cried all day on Tues, I never thought I could feel such grief over a little rat but I did, and I had no one to help me over this except this wonderful site which gave me such good advice and understanding.

I miss my little Charlie so much, he was only 11 months old

Love and hugs
Primrose  xx