Ratablog

Metro 11 September 2002 - 8 December 2004

Our oldest boy, Metro, was PTS last night. He had developed a lump that grew quite large; a few months ago he lost use of his hind legs. Recently he seemed to be having a bit of difficulty breathing, and yesterday the decision was made to help him to his final rest.

To be honest, he was with us longer than I thought--in mid-November I honestly didn't expect him to be with us this month. Until earlier this week, he was still imposing his alpha-status on the other rats with frequent groomings. I'd still find him curled up on Calle, our other older male, every morning and evening when I returned home from work. His littermate and sister, Leather, is now our oldest surviving rat

Metro as a baby--his first name was "Pinstripe" because of the narrowness of the white blaze in his cap.

The first Christmas shoot, December 2002. His blaze would narrow and widen, for no apparent reason, throughout his life.

Metro talks to Harley the Guinea Pig...probably about food...

Celebrating his first birthday in 2003, with his brother Kono.

Apparently, Metro had a foot fetish. Picture was taken in October of 2004.

Our last picture of Metro, a few hours before we took him to the vet for his last nap. He was still eating a bit at the end, but not as much has he used to.

It's never an easy decision, but I feel it was the right one. Good night, little Metro.

Posted by Abita at December 9, 2004 07:53 AM