Talk about way to young to die. Boo suffered quite a bit in his short life. He had cancer at six months and then another six months of horrible abcesses that were directly related to the suture material, some type of reaction.

The final insult was congestive heart failure that left him to weak to be able to get to his favorite breakfast foods or to even want snacks. Its a sad day when a rat that so relished food no longer wants any part of it.

Such a handsome boy, so tough and he could be so terribly sweet. We did the kindest thing and helped him to the bridge. I know he is playing right now, likely pestering Fergus and somehow that comforts me. As a baby he spent much of his time picking with the least aggressive rat I ever met, Fergus. He had a tough shell, with a gooey inside and loved to be snuggled or his ears played with.

There has been so much loss over the summer that I am left totally numb and wondering what I have truly gotten myself into loving rats.

The cage is once again lighter and there are fewer squeaks of protest, no Boo to be a tough and pick with the kids. Its a strange kind of quiet and it leaves me deeply sad and full of longing to see them all again, just one more time.

Sleep easy Boomiester and know that you brought joy with your pain, a lightness to my heart that leaves me lost for the words to describe it.

I love you, sleep well.

Kisses,
mommy