1.08.2009

Kilo Went to the Rainbow Bridge: RIP

Hello,

It is a sad day but a joyous one because Kilo is finally at peace. Here's what happened:

I had a free visit to the vet today to just get his weight checked. I couldn't afford to actually *see* the vet. When I got to the waiting room, the nice vet assistant whispered to me that the vet would see me. I love my vet - it just shows how much she cares. She used to breed rats and is a huge rattie lover so I know I can trust her. By doing this she saved me about $100. I had to wait a little but because I didn't have an actual appointment with her so Kilo and I hung out and I snuggled with him. When she finally saw us, she recommended that I put him to sleep after listening to his heart. She could hear things that she did not hear before that may have been affecting his lungs. Before I made my decision, she injected a pain reliever into him. I noticed a significant difference in his state after she injected the drug. He was so relaxed but I had a decision to make.

Ugh.

This decision was not easy for me. It took me about 30 minutes to decide, but after awhile (and with the help of my mother and Dan on the phone), I decided that it was time. Kilo went to rattie heaven at around 5:30 pm. I do not want to go into details other than he passed while in my arms cuddled up in a familiar smelling shirt. I truly believe he was at peace.

Now, I do not want to be sad. I want to be happy because he had such a great life! Many rats do not get the opportunities that he has gotten. Here are some pictures of Kilo:

he had such a cute face! look at those red eyes (yes, he creeped out some people but, hey, he was a handsome fellow! notice the dumbo ears)

notice how big he was? that's why I named him Kilo. This is him enjoying a treat.

Kilo at a recent birthday party.

This is my old trio: Dexter, Kilo, and Clyde. Clyde (7/18/06 - 3/11/08) was the first to pass last year, then Dexter (7/18/06 - 6/30/08) shortly after (I think because Clyde passed away, he died of a broken heart). Now they are finally together again running around and completely healthy (Kilo: 9/1/06 - 1/7/09).

Now I would like to leave you with a poem I found. It really gets me through these rough times and maybe it will help you too if this ever happens to you. It's beautiful and I truly believe in these words.

Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

–Author Unknown

I can't wait to meet Clyde, Dexter, and Kilo at the Rainbow Bridge. Until then, I know they are playing happily together. For more information about rats as pets, please email me! I'd be more than happy to help you out. Also check out Rat Assistance & Teaching Society of which I am a proud member. Thank you for reading!

hugs,

Julie