Tonight was one of the worst nights I've had in a very long time. I had a pet rat, and she was so sweet and friendly. I brought her out to play like I do every night. She crawled into my arms and I started to rub her below her ears, that's her favorite spot to be pet. The she started coughing/ Wheezing and within a few seconds she started shaking then stopped moving altogether. I panicked then and gave her rat CPR, but still no movement. I feel so awful as in sick to my stomach, I can't help but feel this was my fault. I don't know what happened. I loved her so much. She's gone. It all happened in my arms. She was too young to die less than a year, so I feel that this is my fault. How can I make amends? I don't think I can. What happens to a rat when they die? I can't help thinking about her and where she is now. She was one of my best friends, she used to take sips off my beers and enjoyed a smoke-out every now and again. I miss her so much already. I feel so much guilt right now and I deserve it.
Death of a beloved pet
- Category Blogs
- Thread starter madGardner
- Start date
Oh wow, I'm very sorry! Losing a pet can be so tough! 
You should not feel guilty at all though ... you loved her! You took care of her! You did NOT kill her! Animals like rats have very short life spans. I have a pet hamster and I don't know what I'd do if she died either. She is about seven months old and I love her so much! She sounds like she was a great pet. I'm very sorry for your loss 
You should not feel guilty at all though ... you loved her! You took care of her! You did NOT kill her! Animals like rats have very short life spans. I have a pet hamster and I don't know what I'd do if she died either. She is about seven months old and I love her so much! She sounds like she was a great pet. I'm very sorry for your loss 
You took great care of your pet. You did rat CPR! I've never heard of that, and I worked with rats in college (my lab partner smoked ours out and adopted him, we scored an A for his behavioral training). I hope in time your memories will bring you comfort and that your rat friend is at peace now. If any creature deserves a place in heaven, that would be a beer-drinking rat. Hang in there. You loved your pet.
Thanks guys. It's been a few days and I do feel better. I read for rat CPR you blow into their nose softly and rub their chest. It didn't save her though. I do realize that now she is at peace, thanks again for the support guys.