Vale, Vagabond.
May. 28th, 2007 09:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tcpipStarted today at Internet Vision Technologies with what looks like a lot of interesting work, however this news pales into insignificance with the arrival home to discover that my dear rodent, Vagabond had died.
The poor thing had been getting on, and had lost a significant amount of weight about a month ago. A diet of various healthy treats had seen him put much of it back on and he seemed very happy, although his muscle strength was falling towards nil.
Last night we slept in the lounge-room and let Vagabond stay with us. He spent the night with his head propped on the pillow as it made his breathing easier. Although obviously without strength he still engaged in a hearty breakfast of sweet corn, chocolate cream rice and water.
I shall remember Vagabond for many things. His politeness and compassion was very unusual; he would never snatch food, preferring one to place the food next to him, whereupon he would ensure that his little brother Rogue already has supply. Then, and only then, would he eat. He also had the most unusual characteristic of never turning to the left; if he required to go in that direction he would do a full right turn of 270 degrees and thus head in an leftward direction.
Vagabond was a rat of extraordinary bravery; when confronted by a terrier who was too close to his cage, he gave it a nip on the nose. When confronted by a greyhound-doberman cross, he marched right up to it, causing the dog to back off.
If he had a failing, it was a charming one; he was a vain little rat, who did spend an inordinate amount of time ensuring his mink-coloured fur was in perfect condition, even in his aged state.
Vagabond The Brave, The Good, The Dapper Rat, Mr. Clockwise; I shall miss you. You brought much joy to my life and I only hope we brought some happiness to yours. Sleep well, my little friend.
The poor thing had been getting on, and had lost a significant amount of weight about a month ago. A diet of various healthy treats had seen him put much of it back on and he seemed very happy, although his muscle strength was falling towards nil.
Last night we slept in the lounge-room and let Vagabond stay with us. He spent the night with his head propped on the pillow as it made his breathing easier. Although obviously without strength he still engaged in a hearty breakfast of sweet corn, chocolate cream rice and water.
I shall remember Vagabond for many things. His politeness and compassion was very unusual; he would never snatch food, preferring one to place the food next to him, whereupon he would ensure that his little brother Rogue already has supply. Then, and only then, would he eat. He also had the most unusual characteristic of never turning to the left; if he required to go in that direction he would do a full right turn of 270 degrees and thus head in an leftward direction.
Vagabond was a rat of extraordinary bravery; when confronted by a terrier who was too close to his cage, he gave it a nip on the nose. When confronted by a greyhound-doberman cross, he marched right up to it, causing the dog to back off.
If he had a failing, it was a charming one; he was a vain little rat, who did spend an inordinate amount of time ensuring his mink-coloured fur was in perfect condition, even in his aged state.
Vagabond The Brave, The Good, The Dapper Rat, Mr. Clockwise; I shall miss you. You brought much joy to my life and I only hope we brought some happiness to yours. Sleep well, my little friend.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-05-29 01:56 pm (UTC)Sounds like he was an amazing little guy, it's great that you have so many... downright cool things to remember him by.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-29 02:57 pm (UTC)Our acquaintance may have been short, but he definitely left an impression.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-30 11:33 am (UTC)*hugs*
no subject
Date: 2007-05-30 09:00 pm (UTC)Aesthetically, it would be great if lifespans were dependent on cognitive power and modified by moral reasoning. Certain politicians would die early and other rats, like Vagabond, would still be with us. :-)
no subject
Date: 2007-06-02 03:32 am (UTC)I used to keep rats; in fact, I recently found myself without a single ratfriend for the first time in seven years. I will not be starting again anytime soon, because the pain of losing one is simply too great.
no subject
Date: 2007-06-02 09:15 am (UTC)A rat has the independence of a cat and the loyalty of a dog. All that and brains, too.