Goodbye Charlie.

Our pet rat, Charlie, was getting old and sore. His back legs did not work properly all the time, and his feet would get red from him dragging them around in his cage. Charlie was 3 years old, which is good for a male rat (the females only live 6 months longer).

Nathaniel and I decided over the weekend that it was not fair on Charlie to keep him alive much longer. We talked with Kiya, and explained what was going to happen (that the vet was going to give him an injection that would make him go to sleep and he would die quietly in his sleep without feeling any pain). I was going to take him to the vet yesterday, but with Kiya pulling a sickie and being home from school, I didn't want her coming too.

I took Charlie this morning, and patted him while the vet's first injection took effect. Once he was asleep, I left... I didn't want to see the lethal dose being given. Nat and I had agreed it was better not to bury him here, as that would be too hard to do, and hard on Kiya too.

RIP Charlie, you were a great pet.

I'm sorry for your loss. *hug* (Elmo & Oscar send little rattie hugs and condolances too)

Rest in rattie peace Charlie....and condolences to your family in this time of grief

Thanks ladies.

I cleaned out his cage this morning, and put it into the shed, so that it wasn't inside reminding us of him.

I've just got home from picking up Kiya from school. She walked into the lounge and said "Where's Charlie?" Lots of tears and hugs later, I think she's alright. Kiya understands (kinda) that this was best for Charlie because he's not in pain anymore. She thinks we should go to Hamilton to Chartwell Square in the holidays and get a new pet!

lol, marlene.

Big hugs to your family Becca.