My First Paycheck

My niece, Britton, shared this with the family today...

As each person ages, I think one of the most exciting times in an individual's life is receiving that first paycheck. If you can think back to your first job, can you think back to your very first paycheck? If so, do you remember what you did with your first paycheck? Do you have anything to show for it? I was fifteen and from my first job, with my very first paycheck, I bought myself a beautiful miniature Dachshund. With a spring in her step, the only name that would suit her bubbly personality would be Cricket. June 1st, 1993-April 26th, 2008 (just shy of 15 years old & 105 in dog years).

I have many favorite photos of Cricket because she loved the camera. It was as if she would literally pose for the camera, knowing all eyes were on her. Included are two photos, one of her younger years (taken with me) and one in her later years. Although she appears white in her later year's photo, she actually spent most of her years white. Why you may ask? To remind my father to never leave her outside in a blizzard ever again. And guess what, he never did.

This is my favorite poem by an unknown author dedicated to man’s best friend...

Faithful Friend

God summoned a beast from the field and he said...

"I endow you with the instincts uncommon to other beasts:
Faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words;
Speak to your master only with your mind and through honest eyes.

So be silent, and be a friend to man;
This shall be your destiny and your immorality."

So spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard and was content.

Over the Rainbow

[I just found out about this video due to a comment on this blog by the Fluffy Tribe]

An amazing video from Vermin Realm, in honor of their special friend Riff. It includes many ratties who were well-loved by many, including our beloved Boober...

Eulogy for a Friend

I know I say it every time we lose a furry friend, but it's true: "He was special."

Slugo was an amazing person. He may have only been 18" long nose to tip of tail, walked on all fours, and have very wiry, curly whiskers, but to me, he was my friend.

We saw him in a small cage at a local pet store, all bubbly and wanting attention. Christopher noticed him first, and we left thinking we can't take another one. But his little face kept popping into our minds all that night, and the next day, we went to get him. Best decision we ever made.

Slugo was one of the happiest, friendliest little guys you could ask for. He wasn't very healthly from the get-go, and we had to take him to see the doctor more often than most, but he was worth every penny. He brought joy into our lives, and we hope we did the same for him. I will always remember the cuddles, the wrestling matches between him and my hand, seeing his little butt running down the back of the couch, and of the many times I passed his home and saw him sleeping contentedly in his little cube hammy.

While the talk may have appeared one-way on my part, there was plenty of communication coming the other way - Slugo's expressive eyes conveyed not only an intelligence, but a sense of humor and mischievousness. Yes, Slugo knew how to enjoy life, and that's pretty important when you live only two years if you're lucky...and he wasn't. We're not sure how old he was, but he was still growing up when he came to live with us last year. At the most, he was a year and a half.

With love comes risk, and always, always pain. Some say it's not worth it, but I disagree. It most definitely is worth it. Slugo, I love you, and if there is more after death, I hope you are at peace...and happy.

Slugo

Slugo rat's passing was peaceful.

Slugo rat has be struggling with illness from the day we first got him. This time Slugo was getting lethargic and having problems with passing urine and stool. Supplementing Slugo's diet with Pedialite, Pediasure and yogurt appeared to help him recover somewhat and with this last round of illness it appeared he was making a comeback. Slugo was having that rally of youthfulness that most if not all have when nearing the end.

Late night when we looked in on Slugo rat we found he was cold and barely responsive. I carefully picked Slugo up and he turned his head as if he was looking up to me. I sat down with Slugo rat on a blanket, he sitting in my hand. Slugo rat would make infrequent, quiet little whimpers, his body twitching with each cry. Slugo rat's front feet were pressed against my finger, his toes grasping onto for comfort. A couple of times Slugo rat reacted like he was startled or afraid and tried to move but would settle back into my hand. I quietly whispered to Slugo rat and gently scritched and tufted him, hoping to give comfort in these final moments.

I gently placed my fingertip against his ribs on the left side and I could feel his heartbeat slowing down and becoming more irregular. As he left, his body made subtle little twitches, almost as if he were still breathing. It took several minutes for me to accept that he was gone and I cuddled him, stroking his sweet little face and whispering "it's o.k." and "I love you."