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Vale, Vagabond.
Started 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.
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I think l'll Rogue does as well...
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*hugs*
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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. :-)
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They have so much personality and love you so much in their short lives that it still makes having them around so worthwhile even though it causes so much pain when they go.