Almost four years ago I fell in Love with this little guy.
Well... now he’s a fat guy but the sweetest rat you’d ever meet.
He has never once bitten a single person, sleeps on my shoulder and in my lap.
All he wants to do is be held and cuddle.
For the past week I’ve noticed a growth on his little arm.
He’s been sleeping a lot more and when I take him out of his cage to play, he just waddles back to his cage and asks to be let back in.
He does this Little gurgling sound to communicate. Almost like a purr.
The veterinarian told me it was a tumor.
He’s had growths before but never anything like this.
She told me it was only going to continue growing larger and to keep an eye on it
There’s nothing we can do because it’s not the only tumor he has.
She felt deep in his tissue and found at least six more the size of peas.
I never thought anyone could get so emotionally attached to a rodent.
I’ve always, always loved animals but the day I brought him home, all my children fell in love with him, as did I.
Most people I know think it’s “gross” to have a rat as a pet but there’s really no difference between a hamster and a rat. Other than size, ha!
Actually the hamsters I’ve held have all bit me!
It’s going to be really hard to put him down when that time comes.
And knowing that I’m going to be the person scheduling the appointment for his death. It’s really hard to even think about.
He had a good run though. He’s always being loved on and spoiled.
He was being sold for snake food on Craigslist when I saw his picture.
He was looking up at the camera and I knew I just had to bring him home.
Tofu is just a little rat to most but it’s going to be a big loss for me.
Much Love
Elise
