Star Seeker (jurann) wrote,
Star Seeker
jurann

RIP ROUS Cosmos

     Today marks a somber day in my home, and the end of an era. Today I said myu last goodbyes to a good friend and pal who's been with me the last two years of my life: ROUS Cosmos, my "acrorat" and adorable sweet little black self top-eared rat. He was always full of energy, very excitable, loved to climb on me and climb around the cage, always eager for treats, and the bravest of his cagemates. He outlived all three of his rattie brothers in the cage, TMLS Drambui and Macallan, and his blood brother ROUS Basil by many months. He was not the most social rat, but what he lacked in social charm he made up for with grace, cunning and courage.
     Cosmos had been having myco issues for the last few days, his breathing becoming shallow and laboured. I tried to help him with my nebulizer, and it worked for a while, but eventually the myco caught up with him. This morning and afternoon, I was able to hold him and talk to him and say my goodbyes, I knew he would not last the weekend. Now unemployed for 13 weeks, there was now way I could afford medicine for him, and at 2 years of age a severe myco flare-up like this is not usually survivable. The place will be much quieter and lonelier without his presence. =/ You'll always be loved and missed, my sweet little man.

     With all my rats gone now, and my allergies preventing me from getting any more, I'm left with an abundance of cages, toys and accessories for rats. I would love to sell them affordably to a caring home for rats. In my inventory I have: a Martin's R-695 that is 6 years old and in fair condition (maybe 2-3 years of life left) I'd like to sell for $40 including the Wodent Wheel, corner litter pan, food dish, 2 water bottles and as many used, washed, clean hammocks as you'd like - a Quality Cage Co Large Deluxe Rat Home (door) in powder coat black in excellent condition (like new) with water bottle and food dish I'd like $35 for - a Quality Cage Co Deluxe Rat Home (flip-top) that I'd like $25 for. I also have a ton of clean/washed hammocks in varying states of repair I'd be happy to give away along with the cages, and a bunch of other toys and such I'd also be willing to let anyone buying a cage or two from me peruse and take some of.
     This is, sadly, the end of the rattie era of my life. I've been raising and caring for rats for 7 years now, and they've been a big part of my life every day all this time. But between allergies and cramped living quarters I just don't feel I can give them the quality of life they deserve while giving myself the quality of life I need. I will always love them and miss them, and hope that one day I will be in a situation where I have more space and freedom from allergies to enjoy them in my life again.
Subscribe

Deleted comment

jurann

July 26 2009, 04:01:21 UTC 9 years ago

You only have one rattie? I always get 2-3 at least for a single cage, otherwise they can get lonely and dirty. Ratties are social creatures and need rattie company if you can't give them a lot of your company.

rowyn

July 27 2009, 03:49:10 UTC 9 years ago

Awww. ;_; Poor l'il rat. Two years is a long time for a rat, though. I hate how short their lifespans are. :( And it's very sad being in a home without pets! *hugs*

jurann

July 27 2009, 09:07:20 UTC 9 years ago

Yeah, the last couple nights it's really hit me pretty hard, I keep going to say goodnight to Cos and... He's not there anymore. =/ His cage isn't even there anymore. It's pretty hard, and it feels way more lonely here now without my little buddy. =/ Definitely feels like something is missing. Part of me already wants to get some new rats, but I know it would be very bad for my health. It's really rough.

Also, I didn't mean to mock that you miss me and Aaron in IM tonight - I was chuckling about the fact you asked me to hug him and have him hug me, for you. And I did hug him for you, and he did hug me for you too, so mission accomplished. ;D

Hugs!

rowyn

July 27 2009, 15:58:37 UTC 9 years ago

Yay for hugs! *lives vicariously*

And I knew you weren't making fun of me, I just have a bad habit of giving my friends a hard time. >:) Though Terry does mock me for missing him! After only a week, anyway. I think I'm allowed to after a couple of months. >:)

Are you allergic to all animals? :(

Re: Hugs!

jurann

July 27 2009, 19:01:45 UTC 9 years ago

According to my allergist, I'm not allergic to ANY animals. But according to my reactions, I have a strong enough reaction to some animal proteins (mostly found in urine) to break out in hives. Some dogs I can pet for hours with no ill effects, others I pet for 30 seconds and my hand breaks out and I start having trouble breathing. It really sucks since I love animals. =/
They liked it 0