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: 2007-05-28 12:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 12:09 pm (UTC)He will. His new home is in the garden bed under the window sill. I think he'll like it there.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 12:12 pm (UTC)Rat Fink is next to the bungalow at our old place, though I doubt there's much left of him there now.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 12:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 12:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 12:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 01:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 01:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 01:11 pm (UTC)Vagabond The Brave, The Good
Date: 2007-05-28 01:37 pm (UTC)Every time I saw him he made an effort to say hello, what a strange and unique little fellow he was, I will miss him and remember him in good cheer.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 01:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 02:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 02:28 pm (UTC)losses
Date: 2007-05-28 02:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 03:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 04:48 pm (UTC)Rest in peace, lil boy. :(
My sympathies to you. :\
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 04:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 04:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 06:09 pm (UTC)My sympathy for your loss and grief.
*hugs*
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 06:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 08:00 pm (UTC)Little luna belle has a teeny rosebush over her little grave, I checked it today when I was watering the flowers, there is a prefect rose blooming...
I know you miss your fur kid, a big hug to you..
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 08:24 pm (UTC)It is quite amazing the range of personality types that they come with, and any rat owner (or rather, servant of rats) will strongly deny that it is we who are ascribing personality to them.
There ought be a journal! "Rat Psychology Today", or similar. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunate for the rats), they've fallen out of favour post-Skinner... Not that I can imagine they made good subjects for a behaviouralist.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 08:26 pm (UTC)I think l'll Rogue does as well...
no subject
Date: 2007-05-28 08:27 pm (UTC)Apologies on behalf of Vagabond for his nose-nipping action as well! And thanks, once again, for looking after them whilst we were in NZ..
Re: Vagabond The Brave, The Good
Date: 2007-05-28 08:29 pm (UTC)I think everyone who met him was charmed; he was a huge hit at the cocktail party.