My Flossie.

[Miss Z]

I've held back from posting this for a number of days, since there was a thread elsewhere on the board that I wanted to be confident was truly dead in the water before I moved on to something of a sensitive nature.

My little Flossie fought a long battle with her tumours. I know I never really got much chance to post updates about her health, and so I think PT was never quite as familiar with her as with my previous girl, Tia.

Rest assured that in the ten months she had those cancers, she was a happy girl who just got on with her life in the same spirit she always had. Towards the end, her mobility was becoming markedly impaired, but she had no problem 'scooting' around - she never wanted to sit still.

There were plenty of times that I began to doubt that it was fair to keep her going. But then she'd always reassure me that she was OK by the twinkle of cheekiness that she always had in her eyes. I never for once thought she was in any pain, although I did wonder how on earth she was staying so strong.

One night, I found her slumped awkwardly in her cage, and when I picked her up, she felt quite cold to the touch. I knew exactly what was going to happen. I sat up with her until god-knows-when, and she eventually passed away in my arms.

She was teeth chattering right up to her last breath. I know that she was comfortable and peaceful, and I hope she felt that I was always there for her, until the end.

I don't fully believe the tumours ever finished her off. She lived a good life by rodent standards, and I got the feeling it was her time, regardless of her ailments. Right up to that point, she had never truly degenerated, in spirit nor in physical condition, unlike the heart-breaking saga I had to endure with Tia.

She is buried in my garden next to Foxy, whom some of you will remember from my earliest days of Pet Talk. They never met, but they were so alike in personality that I felt it was the right place for her to be.

I miss her like heck. Everything I do reminds me of her. I'll be looking in the fridge for something and instinctively search for a bit of cheese or veg to take up to her.

I am hoping for another little rattie to enter my life soon, although it is a decision I have to think long and hard about, because it will be a pet I leave in the care of my family for much of its days, once I leave for university.

My beautiful baby girl:

[Whisk_Luva]

I'm sorry to hear this Zara

You were the best rattie owner ever to sweet little Flossie, and although it must of been hard for you, I am sure Flossie was happy that she was able to pass away peacefully in the arms of someone who she loved.

Bye bye sweet Flossie Have fun at the RB....

((Hugs)) to you Zara.

[gini]

I am sorry for your loss and know how painful it is. Flossie was very lucky to have found a warm and loving home with you and she knew it.

[Karen]

Rest in peace, pretty girl. You go find Foxy, and tell her what a good job she did in training your mom, okay? Find a sunny warm spot for a nap up there, and know you have left your little footprints on Zara's heart forever.

[Alysser]

I am so sorry I am reading this so late, Zara. I didn't 'know' Flossie as much as I did your beautiful Tia, but I know you loved her, no doubt about it. Rest in peace, pretty girl. May you forever remain in your mom's heart, and may Star be-friend you out the bridge.

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh Zara, I am so sorry to hear about Flossie. I was not as familiar with your Tia. But I had a soft spot for the beautiful Flossie. I remember a video you posted of her jumping to you from a chair. I always thought she was such a beautiful girl. Her color was just amazing.

I'm so sad for you. RIP Flossie