I learnt pretty quickly I don't have it in me to be a rat companion, although the desire to give into the temptation to have another rat is often there. I hope for you the extra darkness in this time of losses is made up for by the richness of a year's shared experience with this little creature. I remember when you adopted them being glad there are people like you and Caseopaya who find room in hearts mostly likely still bruised from the previous pet's passing, for those rescued from others.