Zoe, last of 56

Zoe was the last of 56 rats we had at one time. The 16 rats we have now are all around a year old.

I did a new thing with Zoe. Instead of waiting until she was gasping for breath, or spending the last couple of days of her life trying to get her to eat a drop or two, I took her to be put to sleep as soon as her appetite waned. She was over 3 years old, bony, wheezing and had pale skin. 55+ rat deaths later, I knew her time had come when she did not want her treat or to finish her medicine on the morning of 2/14/12.

She chattered as I said good-bye and I know she understood and was in agreement with my decision.

After a very short period of grief, I was at peace.

The next day, I received a call asking for a temporary spot for Buddy. We would not have had room if it weren't for Zoe's death.

Two old girls

Had to put my next to last two old girls to sleep this weekend. Zelda was propping herself up to breathe. Denise appeared to have had a stroke. Neither would eat. Both were over three years old. I thought I was prepared, but remembering how Denise used to roll up like a potato bug has been hard. I didn't have but 15 minutes before church to put her to sleep and say our good-byes.

Most difficult has been knowing that Zoe is now alone. She seems okay. I'm trying to spend an hour with her in the evenings, but she seems ready to go back after half an hour. I take her out twice a day to get meds. I tried to introduce her to Demi, but Demi got huffy.  When I am over my cold, I'll try again. Something tells me not to work too hard on it, though, because Zoe seems to be failing too...she's over 3, has respiratory disease and is skinny. She seems to have a strong will to live, considering the way she eats, but I think the body is just wearing down.