Seven years ago, Old Lizzie Girl, you left the world to go to the Rainbow Bridge — animal heaven. I will never forget the love and affection that you gave to everyone, especially to me. You were a very special animal that I will never forget.
You were neither a horse, cat or a dog. You were a pet rat. Yes, you read that properly, a rat. An animal long associated with filthiness, living in sewers, spreading disease and attacking babies in cribs. I read books about rats before I took you home and learned something that was indeed very true –rats are very clean, very affectionate, very smart animals that make great pets!
Despite your little red beady eyes you were a beautiful little animal with silky white and fawn fur. You had a sweet face and you were always laid back and not prone to excitement. You always enjoyed it when I placed you on my shoulder and strolled around the neighbourhood on a nice day. We met quite a few people who were absolutely fascinated with you. We even got to educate people on how great these little pets are. Two people we met up with were so impressed by you that they went out to the SPCA to adopt a couple of rats!
You were the first rat I’ve ever owned. I remember taking you home on May 10th, 1992. It was a beautiful, warm day with not a cloud in the sky. Although this was nine years ago, I still remember the smell of the fresh cut grass on the front lawn and the cooing of a mourning dove as I stepped outside to get into the car. My dad drove me to the local Pet City store and when I got there the first thing I asked the pet store worker was that I wanted a female fawn hooded rat. They had one there — and that one was you, Lizzie.
The pet store worker allowed me to hold you to get to know you. It was love at first sight — you and I fell in love. You were eight weeks old and one of the first things you did was lick me on the chin. Oh how adorable you were with those oversized paws!
When I took you home and placed you in your cage you explored it for a little while and took a nap. You were already becoming an excellent little pet and a real friend for life. I had no friends in my class and I was lonely but when you came along and you filled that gap.
You needed me as well, Lizzie. Everyone adopted your little brothers and sisters, and you were the only one left. You were lonely and in need of a home. I made no regret in taking you home! I still remember the time when you were about four months old and you escaped while I was playing with you. You scampered all over the place as though to say “catch me if you can”. After an hour I managed to get you back into your cage.
A few weeks after taking you home, we went to the shelter to adopt a sister for you. She was an adorable, six week old black hooded rat. We named her ‘Grace’. As she got a little bit older, we introduced her to you, and you absolutely loved her! The two of you played and groomed each other constantly and never once had a serious fight. I was constantly amazed how you two got along.
Sadly, at the age of two, Grace passed away. Two years is the average life of a rat, but it was very unexpected as she was still full of life. We were devastated by her loss. When she died you missed her as much as us humans did. You sulked all the time, even when I gave you cuddles and treats. We adopted a rat to be your companion, but as it turned out it was a male whom we named ” Oreo”, and as we didn’t want any unwanted breeding,
we had to keep you separated from him.
Following her death, we made sure we spent extra attention to you. I cuddled you as I watched my favorite movies and shows and continued to take you out for walks around the neighbourhood and in the front and backyard. After about two months you came out of depression and you were back to your old self again.
Even at the age of two you remained lively yet still mellow as you always have been. I celebrated your birthday with lots of hugs, kisses and homemade treats. You were always spoiled, Old Lizzie Girl, and boy did you love it!
We were surprised when you reached the age of three. Your eyes were starting to cloud over and your hearing wasn’t as good as it was. However, you still enjoyed the neighbourhood ‘tours’ and continued to gobble down cheerios and raisins as though
you were once again a little baby.
Once when I went to pick you up, you bit me hard enough to draw blood. However, I did not blame you for this. Your cataracts blinded you and the vet told me there was nothing that could be done for them. Despite the cataracts and grand old age, you continued to enjoy life and
euthanasia wasn’t even considered.
When you hit four, you were showing signs of slowing down. I knew you didn’t have too much time left, and so I spent as much time with you as possible. You grew a bit cantankerous and frail with your old bones but I still loved you. Because of your age, I ceased taking you out on neighbourhood walks. I continued to take you out into the yard for fresh air as you enjoyed it thoroughly. I picked mulberries for you and you ate them like no tomorrow.
My family went on a two week vacation to South Carolina and I hated leaving you behind with my cousins, even though I trusted them very well. You received the very best of care but I was still worried about you becoming ill. When I came back I was much relieved to know that you did very well without me being there with you.
Six months later, I discovered a few tumors on you. I took you to the vet and I was devastated to find that you had cancer and it was only a matter of time until you would pass away. You still ate and enjoyed the attention you received but I knew deep down inside that soon I would have to make the difficult decision to have her euthanized.
One evening, when I came home from school, my mother told me that you weren’t doing well. You were suffering and it would only be selfish of me to keep you alive. I gathered up all my strength and took you to the vet were you were humanely put to sleep. You died in my arms.
For months I cried myself to sleep. Remembering the fond memories I had with you made me feel better and I felt better that you were no longer in pain. Five years later I still sometimes shed a tear. So many memories…
In your memory, I adopted a rat from the shelter, who has now gone over to the Rainbow Bridge. I named her ” Butterscotch” and she was just as loving
and sweet as you were, Lizzie.
May your spirit live on Old Lizzie Girl!
I will always love you,
| Lizzie |
| 6, June 1996 |
| Meaghan Edwards |