This may seem strange...

[MBlight]

I'm quite an avid animal lover and I have quite an assortment of pets. But the ones closest to my heart are definately my 4 rats.

Unfortunately one of my rat suffered a stroke yesterday and we might have to have him put to sleep tonight. He's 2 and a half years old and has had quite a few health issues in the last couple of months, so I know its not fair of me to keep holding on to him... but it's still very hard...

This is James, when he was still a handsome young boy...

[Tsukuyomi]

*Hugs* Poor thing 8( It may not be easy, but do what's right for him ^__^

I'll be praying

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Fellow animal-lover here:

I am so sorry. I imagine this is a pretty painful situation. I will pray for you, that God can provide you with some loving support, and eventually bring you some peace.

You may find some solace in this. I certainly do, as I believe the substance of that post with all my heart.

[Atria35]

Well, two months ago I was introduced to my first rat, and after being terrified for the first five minutes, I finally got up the gumption to pet it- thankfully the one my friend's roommate had was very friendly, and I discovered that it was actually less nerve-wracking than the lab mice I've been around!

In short, I feel for you, and understand why it would be so painful. I hope that his passing is painless, and that you can find peace with his passing with help from God.

[Dante]

Another animal lover here, I know how deep you can love animals, how deeply they can love you back... and how hard it is to let go. The discrepancies in our life-spans never did seem fair. I don't currently own any rats, I'm not allowed any animals where I live, but my sister has had many and they too are her and her husbands favorites by far.

I will keep him in my prayers, but I will also note that a quick passing in death is easier then a slow painful passing in life. I've experienced both, and the latter can be outright agonizing. So with that in mind, I will pray for the best outcome and comfort of God for both of you at this difficult juncture.

[MBlight]

Update: So I visited my vet yesterday, and he said that his symptoms could possibly be because of an ear infection. He couldn't see anything on a surface level but we decided to give James a try on the medication for a few days, if there's no improvement we'll say goodbye.

So in the meantime I'm getting a chance to say bye to my baby, he's at work with me now because of an intensive medicinal schedule and I also need to check that he's eating well. I'm holding thumbs but I'm thankful for the few more days, if that's all we have...

[MBlight]

Update 2:

Unfortunately James was just getting worse and worse, we had tried everything and it's still so hard. We said goodbye to him last night.

[Atria35]

I'm so sorry. I hope God helps you through this.

[MrKrillz0r]

Sorry to hear that. Be strong and take care of you're other rats!

[Dante]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I know he will be missed.