a_sporking_rat: rat (blue mouse)
[personal profile] a_sporking_rat
No spork, just an announcement that while the next one was supposed to be yesterday or the day before, it’s instead going to be delayed at least until Thursday.

The first reason is that I’m going to be seeing family. Holiday road trip and all, the usual.

The second is that Scurvy passed away yesterday. It seems to have been of old age/kidney failure due to old age.

It hurts, and I'm sad, but it wasn't so bad as far as rodent deaths go. We had notice, because he was acting a little off the past few days, but he also didn't linger painfully, because he really only got into the process of dying over the last 24 hours. So it wasn't a shock for us, but it also wasn't drawn-out for him. We got to say goodbyes, and he was comfortable the whole time. He never seemed to be in any pain, just getting weaker, and his paws were flat when he died, which indicates he went peacefully (versus being clenched, as they'd be if he'd had a heart attack or similar type of death). He was an old rat, and I was told by a vet I'd be lucky if he made it to around Christmas. I was lucky. So very, very lucky to have had him at all.

My dad could barely believe it when I reminded him that we only gotten Scurvy this year, at the beginning of summer after I’d graduated from college. He thought we’d had him more than a year, because of how much Scurvy went through (the recurring abscess, the eye problem) and how much personality he had, how much he’d bonded to us both, all the memories he’d made by doing his silly rat stuff. I love all my rats, they are and were all perfect, but Scurvy really was special. We’ve never had one quite like him.

I know none of you ever met him, but given how much I posted here about him and the rest, I thought you’d want to know, because I know, him being the people-loving super-friendly rat that he was, he would have wanted to meet and snuggle with each and every one of you <3

And just as an odd aside…my dad was Scurvy's best friend. When he got home and I told him, he said he wasn't surprised. he said at 3:45 he just got this feeling and *knew*. I hadn't told him what time yet myself, but 3:47 is when I was sure he had stopped breathing. Neither my dad and nor I are very superstitious people, so I doubt he’d have told me this if it wasn’t 100% for real.

May it never be forgotten how Scurvy would dance for attention, jump out of the cage when it was opened, yanked an entire Fig Newton out of my dad's hand when offered a bite and then turned his back on my dad and hunched over it so he couldn't get it back from him, and took a 30-page bite out of Anita Blake.

Date: 2012-12-23 07:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] collectively.livejournal.com
I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad for him that it was swift and peaceful, but it's so hard to have to say goodbye to a beloved pet. *hugs*

Date: 2012-12-23 08:30 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
It is. Still, I'm glad that I got to say goodbye at all instead of just, say, finding him dead in the cage. He got last holds from dad and I and everything, so I think he was ready, and that helps.
(deleted comment)

Date: 2012-12-23 08:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
My dad remarked today, "You know what I can do without fear now? Have a fig newton." and we both just cracked up. He was indeed a wonderful rat, thank you <3

Date: 2012-12-23 08:24 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mocha-latta.livejournal.com
I'm so sorry. I wish there was something else to say or do. Thank you for sharing his stories with us- just hearing about him help to brighten up my day.

Date: 2012-12-23 08:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
I'm glad that they did! I love talking about my rats in general, but having an audience who appreciates them is even better! I think he knew he had fans <3

Date: 2012-12-23 09:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nanoquill.livejournal.com
I am sorry. He was lovely, from what you've told us. It's good to hear that it was peaceful.

Date: 2012-12-23 09:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
Yes, I'm really glad for that. I don't like that they have to go, but since they do, this is pretty much the best way they can.

Date: 2012-12-23 09:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] grackles.livejournal.com
I'm so sorry to hear this. I enjoyed hearing about him, and his literary cricitism made me literally laugh out loud!

Date: 2012-12-23 09:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
Thank you, I'm glad! He was a pretty hilarious rat overall--and one of good taste to boot!

Date: 2012-12-23 10:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] patina.livejournal.com
He sounded so entertaining, I'm sorry he's gone.

Date: 2012-12-23 11:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
He definitely gave me many ratty stories to tell!

Date: 2012-12-23 11:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lady-fellshot.livejournal.com
I will raise a glass of tea in Scurvy's honor. He was a rat of impeccable taste and good judgement for both books and people. *hugs*

Date: 2012-12-23 11:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-sporking-rat.livejournal.com
To Scurves!

Date: 2012-12-24 06:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] baeraad.livejournal.com
Sorry to hear it. He sounded like a sweet little guy.

Date: 2012-12-24 07:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rodentfanatic.livejournal.com
He was. One of the sweetest <3

Date: 2012-12-24 03:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] duamuteffe.livejournal.com
I'm so sorry for your loss. During the time he had with you he was happy and very loved and that is wonderful. #hugs#

Date: 2012-12-24 04:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rodentfanatic.livejournal.com
Yes, even though we had him for a relatively short time, I'm so glad we were able to make the rest of his life a happy one, <3

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