:( ADVISE on my rattie baby who just was PTS

[JenD]

I'm so sad - can't stop crying, but we had to put my Luke to sleep. His absess got too big too fast and his teeth were misaligned. The vet didn't think there was much she could do at this point with the size of it and his current health. So he was PTS and I asked if I could take him back home with me. I have his body now and wanted to know if I should let his 3 brothers/buddies see him before we bury him. Does that help them to understand he is gone or will it make them upset? Any advice would be great. i have to run out the door in a few min for an appt but he's still soft so if anyone is on now and can offer advice, I'd be so appreciative.

I miss him already

 

[purinpurin]

I don't think it would necessarily make them any more upset than not letting them see/smell his body (which would leave them wondering where he went).

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. It's always difficult losing a pet.

I've heard of stories (on the Rat Shack, if I remember correctly) where the owner found one of their rats passed on in their sleep, and the cagemates snuggling close to their passed on buddy. Animals know when a friend has gone to the bridge, and I think this would at least let them know that their friend isn't coming back.

 

[mamarat]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't put the rattie back with his buddies after being PTS. But this is just me.

 

[rattytat]

Can't give you any advice on this, but my heart goes out to you :heart: So sorry.

 

[hopefloats]

I have always preferred to show my animals. Now if it registers with them, i cannot say for sure. It could just be the human who needs to show. Dopey was a wreck after toby died in the cage, so i know him seeing it, he was fully aware of it and it did show in him.


I am sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.

 

[victoria]

I have done it both ways and I find it really depends on the situation. I think it's a personal choice for the most part. You shouldn't leave the body with them unattended though, otherwise they may "clean up" and that can be upsetting.

 

[SQ]

I am so very sorry ....

I always let my ratties see, smell, etc any cagemate that has been pts.
Some rats find it a bit upsetting, but most don't seem to.
It gives them closure and allows them to know what happened to their friend .... I think that is important.

 

[DadRat]

So sorry.

We have always presented, briefly, the body to the others so they can sniff, inspect, or whatever for a moment. Not sure if it helps or not, but the one time we did not do this, the remaining boy spent the next day looking for his missing brother.

 

[JenD]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I showed the other three rats and am not sure how much it helped, but there is a definite somberness in our home among the rats and our dogs (and human kids) today. I'm sure animals have that perception that we no longer have. Can't say I'm suprised by how much it hurts to lose a rattie, but it sure does suck

Don't know what I would have done these past couple of years without this board. You are all wonderful. Hug your ratties a little more today and know that your words and advice have been so very appreciated...

Jen
furmom of Rudy, Chalky, and Benny (the rattie boys) and always...RIP my handsome little ambassador, Luke...

 

[Joanne]

Sorry you lost your boy Luke. I find it really helps to take them home and bury them - it gives US closure. We need it just as much as his brothers do. Extra scritches for your boys......

 

[jorats]

I'm so very sorry you lost him... some rats are genetically wired wrong and his teeth must have been a huge issue for him. Tooth abscesses are just about impossible to treat.

 

[JenD]

Thanks, Jo :hugs: I miss him like crazy :sad3:

 

[SQ]

I am so very sorry .... :hugs: