More from the Dead Rat Society

[tcpip]

At some stage I'll make a post that doesn't involve yet another offering to Thanatos. Picador, one of the collection of ratlings of January 1st 2012, just died at twenty eight months, or 70 human years. She'd slowed down a great deal in the past month or so, undoubtably the result of a stroke, which is quite common in aging rats. Nevertheless she was still very fond of her foods, as she always had been. Of the three that we kept from 2012 (Picador, Pranker, Pierrot), Picador was most certainly the slackest and the most reclusive of the trio, preferring the delights of sleep and food - unsurprisingly she was also the most rotund. In her last month however she really quite came out and enthusiastically welcomed time snuggled up with her human servants.

This leaves our household with but one rat; the everyoung Prankster who - despite two tumor operations and evidence of yet another - is still bright-eyed, active, and wiry. When she runs about, her tail is still held high, evidence that he musculture and nervous system is still youthful. If it wasn't for her propensity to tumors, I wouldn't be surprised if she made it well into her fourth year. Realistically, I have to be prepared for yet another rodent demise.

Comments

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

I would have to be crazy to pick pets that last between 2-2.5 years, are affectionate, intelligent, and are best in multiple numbers. A glutton for emotional punishment.

[splodgenoodles.livejournal.com]

Just remember it was you who said that and not me, okay? ;)

What about parrots?

Or land turtles, maybe?

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

We have a turtle! OK, he's long lived but not exactly the smartest or friendliest of creatures. But he does bring some amusement with his outdoor waddles.

[mrteufel.livejournal.com]

I've been recently enamoured with parrotlets. When I retire to a place that allows pets, I'll get a pair of budgies or love birds. They're every bit as smart as rats, cuddly too! But they live far longer. (It's a bit unfair to the poor rats, really.)

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

I must admit I've never really taken to birds. I might give it a go in the future.