I knew her time was coming. The last few days her breathing was becoming more and more labored. She wasn't eating much of anything. I was giving her baby food and whatever else I could think of that she would like to eat. She lost a lot of weight too. She just wanted me to hold her and take her out of her cage all the time. Her passing was not a surprise, and I expected it to come soon.
She became ill almost a month ago with an ear infection which caused her to be disoriented as well as a respiratory infection, which are common in rats. I took her to the vet then and have been medicating her since. After about a week, we switched to new medications because the others didn't seem to be doing the trick.
Still, I know she lived a happy life and I am glad to have had the chance to have her in my life, even if for a short while. She was just the sweetest little pet I've probably ever had. Maybe even sweeter than my dog. In her younger years, she was very curious always running around exploring everything. She wasn't much to sit still in my lap for scratches and pets. As she got older, she was happy to sit with me and have me scratch her for as long as I would. If I stopped, she would nibble my fingers gently and nudge my thumb as if to tell me to keep going.
She was good friends with everyone she met and never bit anyone during her lifetime. She enjoyed playing with Shiner, my human baby, and my oldest daughter. Even my father admitted that she was a pretty cool little critter. When I first got Nibblet, he wanted nothing to do with her and kind of freaked out every time he saw her. He eventually got used to her scampering around on the counter tops. In the end, I think he kind of liked her.
I'm sure we will be getting more rat family members at some point when the time is right. Until then, I will never forget my first sweet pet rat. Rest in peace my love! Enjoy all the peas you can eat over at the Rainbow Bridge with all of our other friends over there!
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| Image by DianePhotos on DeviantArt |
I'm so sorry to hear about Nibblet. I might not have spoken to you before but I have read your tweets about her. She seemed so lovely and I could tell you truly cared for her. You have so many lovely memories that you'll always remember :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. :)
DeleteI am so sorry about Nibblet. She was such a cute little fellow and a very lucky pet rat living with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBruny Hudson
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Nibblet. Losing a pet is such a difficult thing, keeping you and your family in our thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteWe are so, so sorry to hear about dear little Nibblet. I was just telling a friend about your sweetie yesterday. We send you lots of hugs and love. Fly free little one, you made many hearts smile.
ReplyDeleteAwww, we're so very sorry for you loss. Fifteen years ago I would not have thought one could get that attached to a rodent. Then my daughter got a couple of Gerbils. Well they are the dearest little things and real personalities too/. Nibblet was a cutie too and I'm sorry we didn't have the chance to meet him in person because I think I would have liked him too.
ReplyDeleteI just had to come back again because I thought about what I wrote and hope you won't take it as a negative comment. I really do think rodents are as cute as any other pet now that I've actually known a couple in person. I apologize if this isn't coming across right, but Nibblet was a cutie and I'm sure loved every bit as much as any other cat or dog or any other pet one might have.
ReplyDeleteI didn't take offense at all! I understand what you are saying :) Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. She certainly was loved very much.
DeleteWe're so sorry to hear about Nibblet. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbutts.
ReplyDeleteRIP, sweet Nibblet...
She seems like she was a very sweet girl. It can be tough to loose any fur-baby. *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Nibblet. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. Hugs to all! Much love, The Scottie Mom.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Ann. Run free, sweet Nibblet.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Nibblet. She had a pretty sweet life though. I never knew a rat could be so spoiled!
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry about the passing of your sweet Nibblet. What a lovely tribute to her and how precious she was. Sending you gentle purrs and keeping you in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBe Well Sweet Nibblet
Oh that is sad,we shall miss seeing her,and her fun antics,thinking of you xx Rachel and Speedy
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read that sweet Nibblet has passed on. We know how close you were and we are so sad for you. Hang on to those sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
My heart sank when I saw your FB post. So terribly sorry. Nibblet's Halloween photos were some of my favorite pet photos ever.
ReplyDeleteWords fail me... I'm so sorry. The short lifespan of all of our special pets is unfair but rats get the worst deal of all! They are so smart, loving and personality packed... Suddenly I am reminded of that quote about how the brightest stars burn out faster. Thanks for letting us all get to know Nibblet, Ann.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bethany. That quote is definitely perfect for the little rats. I'm sure I'll have more rats in the future, but I'll never forget my first and can only hope that they are as sweet as she was.
DeleteI am so, so sorry about Nibblet. I don't know why, but I took a special liking to that ratty girl. She was one of the most adorable contestants in my Halloween costume contest. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here with tears in my eyes. So sorry to hear about Niblet. I got to know her through your posts and knew she was a special soul. You were both lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing her with us.
ReplyDelete--Wags, head bonks and hugs from Life with Dogs and Cats
I'm so sorry to hear about Nibblet's passing! This beautiful post struck a chord with me because during my day job as a nanny, I also take care of an adorable guinea pig as well as three kids. This little one has taught me that small animals are just as playful and lovable as our dogs and cats! Taylor and I will be thinking of you during this tough time! <3
ReplyDeleteOh Ann, sorry to hear about Niblet. I know she was so special, and you loved having her in your life.
ReplyDeleteOh, so sorry to see this sad news. What a little sweetie she was. She was lucky to have such a nice life with you. Love the last photo. She's your special wee little angel now.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Niblet. Lots of sad news today on blogs. At least Niblet had an awesome life for a rat. My mom is a Gerbil fan, no critter phobias at our place.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. Even those with phobias can understand that she was a special little creature to us. I haven't had much time for blog reading this weekend. I hope the news elsewhere is not that bad =/
DeleteWe are so sorry to hear that sweet Nibblet had to fly to the Bridge. Thank you for loving her so much, and for sharing her with all of us. She made us smile, and we know she brought much joy to so many. Hugs, purrs and prayers...
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...I'm so sorry! She was so adorable and I remember when I passed an award onto you guys I was blogging about how cute Nibblet is and she was my fav part of reading you're blog. I have always loved rats and she was perfect. You have my condolences. Rest easy Nibblet...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of Nibblet's passing.....she's running free over the Bridge now but will always be in your heart I'm sure....Nibblet was the first rat pet I'd read about and I loved that she pawticipated in my Halloween contest last year.....I'm sending a prayer that she's as happy over the Bridge as she obviously was living with you!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sammy
I'm so sorry for your loss Ann :(
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Nibblet ! I send you comforting purrs and gentle headbutts. Purrs, Zorro
ReplyDeleteI'd been worrying about Nibblet. From reading your blog, I knew she'd recently been struggling with health issues and she was up there in age. It is sad to hear that she has passed. My face gets a little smile to hear that you are planning to get more rats in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh no, Miss Ann! I cannot believe that I missed this post over the weekend. I am so sorry for the loss of Nibblet. She was such a cute, sweet little critter (and Ma is surprised that she would even say that about a rat). I just know she is feeling much better now that she is OTRB, scampering all over the place and eating lots of peas! She will always be your angel and will watch over you until you meet again.
ReplyDelete*Cairn cuddles*
Oz and Gina
This is such a beautiful tribute to Nibblet. So very sorry for your loss. I admire your love and dedication to her as part of your family...such a wonderful lesson in kindness and compassion for kids and adults.
ReplyDeleteOh we are so very, very sorry to hear about Nibblet. Sending you comforting purrs....
ReplyDeleteAnn, I am so sorry for your loss of Nibblet. I had been worried about her. You gave her a wonderful life, and you were taking such good care of her especially at the end! I love the little Vine video of you scratching her....she looked so content. Through you and Nibblet I think a lot of us learned so much about what a great pet a rat can be.
ReplyDeleteTW has leaky eyes as she’d really grown to like Nibblet. I’m against having food for pets but I’m also sorry for the loss of Nibblet. Sending comforting purrz.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Nibblet. I was sure hoping she was getting better. Sending lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss of Nibblet. I love her angel wings picture. All of these animals inhabit their own special place in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteFarewell Nibblet. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read about Nibblet. She sounds like she was a great friend.
ReplyDeleteOh, Ann, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's so hard to lose a furryfriend. Sending lots of Pawkisses to comfort you.
ReplyDelete