Digging a grave is hard work

[Annabel Lee]

I'm having the hardest time digging a grave for the recently deceased and much loved Bonnie (pet rat).
It hasn't rained in Southern Cal since Noah's flood and the ground is as hard as a rock. I have the correct shovel and (what's that other thing called that breaks through the ground?)
I think I'm about halfway through.
Managed to find a plastic container just big enough for her little body. (Okay, she wasn't so little)
My arms are killing me, especially since I'm not supposed to be using my right arm. (sprained it hiking)
But I want to get this part done before youngest comes home from school, then we can just have a simple ceremony (Yes a ceremony, don't you dare laugh!) with her best friend.

Pricilla, the other rat looks so sad and we're paying extra special attention to her.
She seems so lost wandering around looking for her friend.
Pricilla is siting on my shoulder watching me type right now.
Say HI Pricilla!
This is a vent thread.

[Criada]

:(
Sorry, sis!
Is horrid losing a pet - especially for children.
And a ceromony isn't silly at all - it helps!
:hug:

[Annabel Lee]

Thank you, Criada :hug:

[Nicki4Christ]

:( Aww, so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. And I agree a ceremony is a wonderful way for kids (and adults) to express love for thier animals. Hope your arm gets to feeling better.:hug:

[3girls2dogs]

I'm sorry. I am one of those people who completely *gets* the pet thing. I would be lost without my Princess. Fenway, I adore, but he is my daughter's dog really. Princess has helped me through so many deployments and hard times. I delude myself into thinking she will live forever. :sigh:

:hug: for you during your time of loss. I hope your other rat does ok. :hug: for the rat, too. And :groupray:for your kids.

BTW, I would never make fun of the ceremony thing. We had one for each hamster we lost this summer. My husband teases me and tells everyone Princess will have a full blown funeral.

[Annabel Lee]

Our dog Mel, 100+ lbs of doggy love, just turned 9 years old.
At that age, his death isn't in the inconceivable future anymore.
We adopted him at 8 weeks and youngest daughter has been with him since nursery school (she's in the 8th grade now)
Those two are so close.

I wish dogs lived longer....25 or more years sounds about right.

[Annabel Lee]

Thanks Nicki and 3girls2dogs. :hug:

[Debi1967]

So sorry about your loss Annabel and hugs for you and your kids :hug:

[Annabel Lee]

Thanks Debi. :)

I'm almost done and what does my dog do? Dumps one of his chewy bones in it.
LOL

The lazy dog probably thought I was being helpful..:D

[Debi1967]

Thanks Debi. :)

I'm almost done and what does my dog do? Dumps one of his chewy bones in it.
LOL

The lazy dog probably thought I was being helpful..:D
I am sorry but that made me laugh hard :D

[ContentInHim]

I'm sorry Annabel! :(

I had a white rat for psych lab and he was the loveliest little guy!

Have you tried a pickaxe? Have you poured water into the small hole you've managed to dig? Have you considered burial at sea? :hug:

[Macrina]

:hug:

I'm sorry for your loss. Count me in as another one who considers pets full-blown members of the family. A special way to say goodbye is only appropriate.

I also hope your arm feels better soon.

(oh, and vent away any time :) )

[Auntie]

((((Annabel))))

It's hard to say goodbye to a pet. They are really like members of the family.

:( :hug:

[PreachersWife2004]

Thanks Debi. :)

I'm almost done and what does my dog do? Dumps one of his chewy bones in it.
LOL

The lazy dog probably thought I was being helpful..:D

Bwhahahaha.

Or maybe, the dog instinctively knew what was going on and that was his way of saying goodbye.

Ya never know with dogs...they're smarter than they act!

[Miss Shelby]

I have a severe phobia of rats. Because when I was a kid we lived in the ghetto and well let's just say my experiences with them aren't the happiest of memories.

Hi Pricilla. If you're planning on digging tunnels around and about, stay out of my neighborhood and stay out of my bathtub.

Sorry for your loss Annabel. A beloved pet is a beloved pet, even if I can't understand it.

[Auntie]

I have a severe phobia of rats. Because when I was a kid we lived in the ghetto and well let's just say my experiences with them aren't the happiest of memories.

Hi Pricilla. If you're planning on digging tunnels around and about, stay out of my neighborhood and stay out of my bathtub.

Sorry for your loss Annabel. A beloved pet is a beloved pet, even if I can't understand it.


I used to have some pet baby squirrels. They were abandoned by their mamma (I think she died) and I took them in. I fed them with a tiny doll baby bottle. When they got old enough, they took off on their own.

If I ever become Catholic, I will take the Saint name of St. Francis. Even my neighbors comment. There was a turtle wandering around, who had a huge split in his shell, and all the neighbors assumed he was mine.:)

For years and years, we had 2 hoot owls who always roosted in our oak tree every fall. But just this last year, they didn't come back.:( I worry about them.

Years back, a little banty rooster showed up from nowhere, and stayed. I bought chicken feed for him, and he would go to the patio and eat his feed. He was my "lil rooster". I loved him very much. He was here for many years. One day, a coyote got him. It was mostly my fault. He wouldn't get down out of the tree, which was unusual, so I kept calling to him to get down. He finally came down, and then the coyote got him.:(

Animals seem to be attracted to me, and I am attracted to them. I love them very much. I have 5 humingbird feeders, and I think they are about to go south for the winter. God bless them and be with them on their long long journey.:crossrc:

[3girls2dogs]

Thanks Debi. :)

I'm almost done and what does my dog do? Dumps one of his chewy bones in it.
LOL

The lazy dog probably thought I was being helpful..:D
Maybe he was paying his respects. :hug:

[3girls2dogs]

I used to have some pet baby squirrels. They were abandoned by their mamma (I think she died) and I took them in. I fed them with a tiny doll baby bottle. When they got old enough, they took off on their own.

If I ever become Catholic, I will take the Saint name of St. Francis. Even my neighbors comment. There was a turtle wandering around, who had a huge split in his shell, and all the neighbors assumed he was mine.:)

For years and years, we had 2 hoot owls who always roosted in our oak tree every fall. But just this last year, they didn't come back.:( I worry about them.

Years back, a little banty rooster showed up from nowhere, and stayed. I bought chicken feed for him, and he would go to the patio and eat his feed. He was my "lil rooster". I loved him very much. He was here for many years. One day, a coyote got him. It was mostly my fault. He wouldn't get down out of the tree, which was unusual, so I kept calling to him to get down. He finally came down, and then the coyote got him.:(

Animals seem to be attracted to me, and I am attracted to them. I love them very much. I have 5 humingbird feeders, and I think they are about to go south for the winter. God bless them and be with them on their long long journey.:crossrc:
St. Francis is my favorite Saint. When I moved here, and I was so unhappy and couldn't find a Church, I was miserable. I'm really involved in pet charities, and our local Church, which happens to be St. Francis of Assisi, was having a pet blessing ceremony. It felt so much like it meant something, all those connections. It was the major reason I started thinking about going back to the Catholic Church.

[Auntie]

St. Francis is my favorite Saint. When I moved here, and I was so unhappy and couldn't find a Church, I was miserable. I'm really involved in pet charities, and our local Church, which happens to be St. Francis of Assisi, was having a pet blessing ceremony. It felt so much like it meant something, all those connections. It was the major reason I started thinking about going back to the Catholic Church.


:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

I have this "insane" love for God's critters. I am so sad that civilization has caused them to search high and low for a place to call home.:( Last year, I saw a baby dear, killed, run over, out in the road in front of my house. When we first moved here, the dear moved around freely. Now they are gone.

I understand that humans need a place to live. But it breaks my heart when humans encroach on the last acre a poor animal has to live on.:(

[D'Ann]

HUGS HUGS HUGS... it is never easy to lose a loving pet.

When you can, get another rat so that Pricilla won't be lonely and she will have a play mate. I love animals. All animals. I'm sorry for your loss. :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

I have this "insane" love for God's critters. I am so sad that civilization has caused them to search high and low for a place to call home.:( Last year, I saw a baby dear, killed, run over, out in the road in front of my house. When we first moved here, the dear moved around freely. Now they are gone.

I understand that humans need a place to live. But it breaks my heart when humans encroach on the last acre a poor animal has to live on.:(
Auntie...in the area I live in we have lots of deer, but also a highway. :( A couple years back, right in front of our house, a doe had been hit...and she was pregnant. They hit her so hard the baby was thrown from her womb. :cry: I'll never ever forget that. That car had to have been going VERY fast...and in front of our house it's 40mph. :mad:

[Auntie]

Auntie...in the area I live in we have lots of deer, but also a highway. :( A couple years back, right in front of our house, a doe had been hit...and she was pregnant. They hit her so hard the baby was thrown from her womb. :cry: I'll never ever forget that. That car had to have been going VERY fast...and in front of our house it's 40mph. :mad:


So sad. :( The thing is, critters are just being critters, trying to live their lives the way God designed them to live. For years and years, they have traveled their usual path, grazing where they always grazed. Then suddenly there is a highway, they don't know what that is.......

And they get killed. They're only doing what they've always done, traveling along their usual path, and they get killed for it.

I wish that humans could live in harmony with the other animals. I wish that humans would understand, the critters have a right to live, too.:(

[ContentInHim]

We will, Auntie, we will! :hug:

[Miss Shelby]

I used to have some pet baby squirrels. They were abandoned by their mamma (I think she died) and I took them in. I fed them with a tiny doll baby bottle. When they got old enough, they took off on their own.

If I ever become Catholic, I will take the Saint name of St. Francis. Even my neighbors comment. There was a turtle wandering around, who had a huge split in his shell, and all the neighbors assumed he was mine.:)

For years and years, we had 2 hoot owls who always roosted in our oak tree every fall. But just this last year, they didn't come back.:( I worry about them.

Years back, a little banty rooster showed up from nowhere, and stayed. I bought chicken feed for him, and he would go to the patio and eat his feed. He was my "lil rooster". I loved him very much. He was here for many years. One day, a coyote got him. It was mostly my fault. He wouldn't get down out of the tree, which was unusual, so I kept calling to him to get down. He finally came down, and then the coyote got him.:(

Animals seem to be attracted to me, and I am attracted to them. I love them very much. I have 5 humingbird feeders, and I think they are about to go south for the winter. God bless them and be with them on their long long journey.:crossrc:My daughter is like that. She loves animals, and they love her. She's nine and she's being saying since she was four that she wants to be a veteraniarn or a zookeeper.

She's never seen a rat in her bathtub trying to escape through a hole in the pitifully tiled wall (one tile missing and you could see the pipes)-- by running and jumping at it. :D--- I'm sorry, rats and my memory do not get along. I can talk about cockroaches, I can even live with them, stampede them and exterminate them--- but the rats---nope. They were so bold they didn't even run from you.

[Miss Shelby]

Annabel-- I thought your youngest daughter had a hamster as a pet? Or is that memory an ancient one? I can remember you talking about it at one time, I think? :)

But it may well have been a few years ago.

[Annabel Lee]

Annabel-- I thought your youngest daughter had a hamster as a pet? Or is that memory an ancient one? I can remember you talking about it at one time, I think? :)

But it may well have been a few years ago.

That was Elvis the hamster. Yes, he passed away a few years back.
The rats were a birthday gift. Rats may be inexpensive but the accessories are not. We bought a 4 level purple cage and then added everything possible.
Did you know rats can play with bird toys?
So they had a bird swing which they hung on and the perches which they did trapeze walks across.
Rats have such personality and are extremely smart.

I know what you mean about wild rats in the house. We had some in our garage (may still) Took my dog out there to sniff them out and he just looked at me like I was nuts. He thinks rats are just little dogs. They get along pretty well.

I WANT THEM GONE.

Anyway, enough. Bonnie has been put to rest. I went to a gardening store and bought a heavy flat rock to place over her grave. Youngest is going to paint something on it in her honor.

Did I mention we have our Bunny Foo Foo's ashes on the fireplace mantel?

Yes, I'm officially a nutcase.

[GreenMunchkin]

:( Am sorry, Annabel :hug:

Pets totally go to Heaven, though, because they're a part of our household, and family.

A million hugs :hug:

[Tangeloper]

I'm sorry for the loss of your pet. I think it's a great idea to have a ceremony. We had one for the cat we lost last year, and it really helped my girls I think. They still visit it's grave (it is buried on my b-i-l's farm).

We also have a dog who will turn 9 years old on Christmas. You can tell he's getting old now... He is a black lab, but now his chin is all white. I really can't believe the years have gone by so fast.

I really worry how we will take it when he's gone -- especially my youngest (she is a member here: KittyMuffin ). She doesn't remember a time without, Duke. He and she learned to walk and run together!! She falling over herself, and he falling over his paws which were still too big for his body...

I too wished dogs lived longer -- 15 years seems too short of a time, and even 15 years is more than most get to see. I thank God though for giving us all kinds of animals to enjoy in our world. It is such a blessing!!!

I hear what you're saying 3G2D about your pet being there for you. I was very sick a few years back and my dog was always there... Also, he protected me when a part Rottweiler attacked me -- so I am very grateful to him as I truly believe I probably owe him my life. The miracle is that he was not hurt and gave me a chance to overpower the other dog in the meantime and quell the situation -- with a lot of help from the Lord, I might add whom I was praying to help me, and He did! I don't know where my strength came from because I was bleeding pretty badly by then... OK, that's enough of those memories....

At any rate, pets are so special to us. They're probably the closest thing we can experience that exemplifies God's unconditional love for all of us. So wonderful!!!

[Tangeloper]

:( Am sorry, Annabel :hug:

Pets totally go to Heaven, though, because they're a part of our household, and family.

A million hugs :hug:
I think so too, GM!!! I didn't see anyone else post this poem here, so I will... (Of course this refers to dogs and cats and such, but I think loveable rats would be included, too!!! ;) )

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/bicfomh/gg01/rainbow/rainbow002.gif
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Miss Shelby]

Rats have such personality and are extremely smart. I had no idea they could be domesticated. Learn something new every day. :)

[nyj]

Did I mention we have our Bunny Foo Foo's ashes on the fireplace mantel?

Yes, I'm officially a nutcase.Well then that makes two of us. Boomer's ashes are in an an urn on my desk office at home. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and feel sad ... even though she died almost 3 years ago. :(

Losing a member of the family is tough, and pets are no less a member of the family IMO. That's part of the wonder and power of love.

[Macrina]

John Wesley adamantly believed that he and his horse would meet again in Heaven. I hope that's true. :)