It has been a hard few weeks over here. It is never easy for anyone to say goodbye to a pet. It is even harder when you're a child, and the pet in question is wholly your own.
On October 31, 2021, the wonderful organization Teeny Snoots Rat Rescue came to our home. Joseph was going to be adopting two rats. He climbed right into the playpen with them, and was on cloud nine. The first rat to approach him, climb him, and ultimately choose him was a large grey dumbo rat. Joseph adored him. This rat would be then named GusGus. GusGus was everything a kid could possibly want in a pet. He loved to cuddle, be pet, and would take treats from Joseph's hands. Joseph called him his "chonky boy". This little animal was bright-eyed, intelligent, and loved to give kisses to the tips of your fingers, and to the tip of Joseph's nose.
GusGus and his brother Loki would spend the time out of their cages in a playpen that Joseph had for them, running around a cardboard rat maze, and while Loki isn't particularly good at staying still, GusGus would love to perch on Joseph's shoulder, much like a pirate's parrot.
On October 31, 2021, the wonderful organization Teeny Snoots Rat Rescue came to our home. Joseph was going to be adopting two rats. He climbed right into the playpen with them, and was on cloud nine. The first rat to approach him, climb him, and ultimately choose him was a large grey dumbo rat. Joseph adored him. This rat would be then named GusGus. GusGus was everything a kid could possibly want in a pet. He loved to cuddle, be pet, and would take treats from Joseph's hands. Joseph called him his "chonky boy". This little animal was bright-eyed, intelligent, and loved to give kisses to the tips of your fingers, and to the tip of Joseph's nose.
GusGus and his brother Loki would spend the time out of their cages in a playpen that Joseph had for them, running around a cardboard rat maze, and while Loki isn't particularly good at staying still, GusGus would love to perch on Joseph's shoulder, much like a pirate's parrot.
Little ratty kisses
They say that a pet's life is never long enough, but it feels as if we didn't get even close to enough time with our GusGus. It was ultimately discovered that the weird honking sounds he sometimes made when he breathed were due to cancer in his lungs. A cancer that had spread to grow into a tumour on his foot.
Even though he still gave us kisses, and took treats from our fingers, he began to spend more and more time hiding under the blankets in his cage. Joseph and I made a last trip to the vet, and we had to ultimately say our goodbyes to our beloved chonky boy.
Even though he still gave us kisses, and took treats from our fingers, he began to spend more and more time hiding under the blankets in his cage. Joseph and I made a last trip to the vet, and we had to ultimately say our goodbyes to our beloved chonky boy.
Eating a favourite treat of challah
This rat, along with his brother Loki, inspired Joseph. They taught him responsibility, how to care for an animal on his own, and they were and are a comfort in his room. They inspired him to write, and he is grateful that GusGus will live on in some way in his story Lucky at Bat.
But what ultimately hurts is that Loki no longer has his brother, and Joseph is missing his piratical friend. Seeing Loki look to see where GusGus has gone, while not understanding what has happened is so sad. Joseph wishes he could explain. Now, what Joseph wants is for more understanding for these animals. They are intelligent, caring, and cuddly. Nobody who witnessed Loki watching over GusGus through his last days could possibly deny that.
But what ultimately hurts is that Loki no longer has his brother, and Joseph is missing his piratical friend. Seeing Loki look to see where GusGus has gone, while not understanding what has happened is so sad. Joseph wishes he could explain. Now, what Joseph wants is for more understanding for these animals. They are intelligent, caring, and cuddly. Nobody who witnessed Loki watching over GusGus through his last days could possibly deny that.
GusGus and Loki cuddling in good times
What we want is for GusGus's influence to live on. So please, if you can, donate in his name. Maybe even adopt some of these wonderful animals yourself. If you aren't close enough to Teeny Snoots area, look up the rescues closest to you. Help in any way you can.
Here's the link- Teeny Snoots Rat Rescue
We will forever miss our cuddly chonky boy, GusGus.
Here's the link- Teeny Snoots Rat Rescue
We will forever miss our cuddly chonky boy, GusGus.
One of Joseph's favourite pictures
The first night we got him
GusGus
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