We my daughter started to ask for a pet rat couple of years ago, I was very much against it. I’d never been into rats or any pet rodents for that matter, but my wife and daughter overrulled, and one day they came home with this curious and lively black-and-white bundle with the long tail. It seems it was just such a short time ago…
Kysia grew up on me almost inconspicuously. Curious and brave, intelligent and exploratory, energetic, sociable… Soon enough I found myself looking forward to spending time with Kysia during her daily out-of-cage plays while my wife cleaned the cage. Then I took over the cage cleaning, feeding, shopping for her… I’d take Kysia out of her cage in the morning and in the evening, during the day if not at work, let her roam a bit, and then come to me, lick my fingers or hide under my T-shirt. I’d just set her on my shoulders and walk around doing my house chores, listening how she sniffed and clicked her teeth. I’d miss her when being away for a few days. I’d greet her in the morning, in the afternoon after work, and wish her good night…
We discovered a growth near her left hind leg about a month ago. Took her to the vet, who examined it and suggested we do a biopsy, which came back as probable malignant tumor. I agreed to an operation, hoping this could buy her a few more months with us…
She didn’t survive it and passed away after the operation. Words can’t describe… Only it seemed to gradually dawn upon me that the hours of daily routine with Kysia are empty now, that I can’t pet her when I get up in the morning or get back from work, and she won’t cuddle up in my hands any more. I just close my eyes and see how I petted her last time before leaving her at the clinic, how she bustled for the last time on my shoulders when I filled the papers, how she looked at me with those trustful beady eyes…
Kysia, I’m sorry! Forgive me, I wanted the best for you, but the operation was a mistake. A small, but a dear piece of my heart was burried with you yesterday, and it hurts so much!
Good bye, cute little thing. I’ll meet you by the Rainbow Bridge…
Miss you,
| Kysia |
| Alex |