I'm getting things done just very rocky and sad here.

Tomorrow I have to take Rookie to be put to sleep...Over the past 6 months he's gone slowly downhill into old man ratness. His pains have stacked to the point I have to let go. Cataracts? Rats eyes arnt great to start with, no big deal. Hind end degeneration ? He's the second rat Ive had with it, sad to watch but so long as you keep the cage clean, help them keep themselves clean and lower or remove high levels..not cause to euthanize. But over the last few days he's flinched from my touch and I've been manually holding a waterbottle for him to drink since he dosnt seem to want to move to the hanging ones (or he's enjoying my doting on him). He's more perky today but still painful so I had to make the call.

He's in pain and its time but its never ever easy.

I will only have Krummpus when Rooks gone. I hate for Krummps to be alone but he's going to be 2 years old in a month. He's been around old boys for the past year so he's been the strongest and I dont trust him not to bully a new adult male (none of my boys were altered) and I want to take some time from my rats so I cant get a baby. Not that I wont have more rats, but once Rookie is gone I'll have lost 7 of the 8 amazing rats I've had in the past 4 years. I got my girls back in the start of '11 to help me cope with the death of my brother. They were all priceless personaltys and amazing pets. I know I wont be able to resist getting new babys someday.

Someone make long living healthy rats stat. ;;