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| A young Milo looking like Rudolph Red Nose Reindeer |
My dear dear friend Milo died today, aged two years. He was a remarkable being, full of gentleness and kindness. He never harmed any other creature. He liked to play (even with the dog) and had a cute sense of humour.
Like most rats he was highly intelligent and emotional. He obviously deeply loved my wife Sue and I - as we did him - and was our constant companion. Even came in the car with us and went shopping (concealed, of course).
One of the remarkable things he did was to come to me and hold my hand in his. He did this often. He would also rest his head on my hand and watch what I was doing. He often gave us kisses.
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| Milo when a Baby |
Rats have a pretty raw deal in life. Their metabolisms are very fast and their lifespans are short. The average pet lives only about 18 months but some can live much longer. They need to be kept in very clean dust free conditions and many die from inherited lung infections.
Like mice, they are clean creatures - always washing and preening themselves. Watching young rats play together is a joy. They are great fun and often stand up and box each other like kangaroos.
It's a shame that people are brought up to think so badly of rats. They are just furry creatures like any others and fellow travelers with us in life.
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| A very old Milo - Bless him |
I believe animals have souls and have prayed for him and given all my merits to him. I hope his soul progresses and that he is safe and happy. Meanwhile I try not to cry but the sadness of losing someone close is always difficult.
