February 28, 2006
Getting old
It's hard to believe...seems like just yesterday these guys were hyper little babies...but I am realizing that the frat boys are getting old.
It isn't anything dire yet...no dragging rear legs, no trouble holding food...but other signs are there. George, my solid linebacker of a rat, is losing weight, and his fur is changing color. Jim is thinner too (I can feel his spine), and his coat isn't as full and shiny. Jack is still putting weight on, at least, but the tan fur on his face is whitening, and he's grumpier than he was.
When they come out to play, they meander around the bed, then settle in for long grooms or even naps under the blanket.
They are much more inclined to curl up on my lap now, and instead of zipping away when I pet them, they'll cuddle with me for hours. They no longer destroy everything they can get their teeth on, and I can leave them unchaperoned outside the cage for a few minutes without them trying to escape.
It's bittersweet, though, knowing this is twilight time.
Posted by Abita at February 28, 2006 08:28 PMYes time does fly and its hard to believe they get old...
give them a hug for me
colleen
Posted by: colleen at February 28, 2006 09:31 PMWhat a great group shot. Is the little guy going upstairs with food in his mouth the one who likes to 'squirrel' away his food?
Posted by: Eanna at February 28, 2006 11:14 PMThey're still handsome, tho. The only times my girls are inclined to sit with me is when they are REALLY near the end. Lots of love to the frat boys...erm...old folk's home boys? hee hee
Posted by: Lynn at March 1, 2006 05:49 PMThat's Jack on the way up the ramp, with a yogurt-covered blueberry in his mouth. He's more likely to eat his treats right away...Jim is the stasher in that cage. Nobody holds a candle to our girl Neiko, though...she is the queen of stashing.
Posted by: abita at March 4, 2006 04:47 PM