Tia has a tumour... (Sad Update)

[Miss Z]

Aw, thank you Mandy. ((hug))

We took Tia on 'her holidays' this afternoon, along with the gerbils too, of course. My room feels desperately empty without her!

I'm confident that this woman will do good with her, whatever happens. She seems really concerned for her welfare and obliged to everything I explained that needed to be be done. She's in a quiet area of the woman's house in a cosy room, so I'm hoping she feels safe and comfortable. The gerbils are in the same room as her, and even though Tia doesn't care much for them, I think they'll remind her of home.

I hope the gerbils will be alright too! This is the first time they've been away from home, after all.

I have my fingers crossed tightly that she'll pull through. But whatever happens, I'm glad we took a chance on her, as she showed us what a fighter she is. I just hope the risk pays off.

This holiday better be flaming good, because I need to relax!

And thanks everyone for the support, you're the best.

Zara

[Miss Z]

Tia got through the two weeks almost without any problems whatsoever! It's the best I could have hoped for. In fact, the gerbils caused far more trouble than she did (see my gerbil thread also in pet general). Tia is one tough cookie, and she doesn't go down without a fight.

She took her medicine and was very well-behaved according to her carer, and was more than prepared to potter about the room in which she was kept. She was eating and drinking well, although a couple of times the lady gave her a little water via syringe to keep her well hydrated.

The tumour has grown and now it sticks out at a strange angle under her foreleg, but she still seems to ignore it as best she can. The paralysis has worsened slightly, but not yet drastically so as I feared it would.

Apparently, Tia had another choking incident, but once again managed to bring it back up herself. We don't know what got stuck in her throat, but we can just be thankful that she managed to sort it herself.

She's fighting on, and I'm proud of her. She's really not letting either of her ailments destroy her lust for life. I reckon she's a real inspiration.

All those thoughts and prayers worked in those weeks I was dreading most, so, from Tia, my family and I, thank you all so much. At least now I know I will be around for when the inevitable happens.

Zara

[moosmom]

Dear Miss Tia,

Winkie here. I just want you to know I think you are the most beautiful, BRAVEST rat I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I think about you all the time and you are in my prayers.

Love and kisses,

Your Winkie

[Vela]

I was going to ask but I didn't know how she was so I was waiting for your post. Glad to hear she made it through okay. I know you were worried about that. Thanks for letting us know! Keep it up Tia.

[Zippy]

That's wonderful that Tia is doing well.(((HUGS)))to you and Tia.

[Miss Z]

I knew I would be typing this sooner or later.

She's really not well at all now. Her back legs are awful, and it breaks my heart to see her trying her best to move around now. She seems stiff and uncomfortable, plus as she's got no strength whatsoever to lift herself off the ground, she's urinating on herself so much that it's getting hard to clean it up every hour or so. It can't be nice for her covered in pee all the time.

She's still eating, but doesn't move about as much as before, and can no longer reach her water bottle. I have to take it down and offer the nozzle to her to allow her to drink.

I am contemplating where exactly I draw the line that marks good and bad quality of life.

[Hellow]

I would draw the line when Tia cant eat anymore. Although is sounds like she is already not having an very good life.

[Whisk_Luva]

OMG! Zara! (((Hugs))) and mega (((Hugs)))

A tiny kiss to Tia aswell.

Zara, you have been the perfect mummy/owner for Tia, just do what you think is right for her, you have done that so far and Tia has had a wonderful life...

(((Hugs again)))

[Vela]

I'm very sorry she's doing so poorly. Unfortunately you can't be there 24 hours a day to clean her up and offer her water, so you need to weigh her ability to tolerate longer periods while you are sleeping and at school without water and without being cleaned=( Only you can decide.

[Alysser]

Aw, Zara, I am so sorry. I know you have been dreading this, and I fully support any decision you choose to make.

(((hugs)))

[Sevaede]

Oh Zara.. I wish I could just reach through the computer and give you and Tia biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hugs!

**********HUGS**********

[Chilli]

It breaks my heart to read this.
I'll continue to keep her in my thoughts until that day comes.
I know the hardest thing is not being able to be greeted by that darling face of hers after its her time(its how it is everyday without Sid here), but take pride in the fact that you've stuck with her through thick and thin.
Zara, Tia is the luckiest rat in the world to have you as her mum. There are few people in this world that would go to such lengths for any rodent, and I'm glad to know that you are one of them.

Major ((((((HUGS)))))) to you & Miss Tia.

[moosmom]

Zara,

You are in my thoughts and prayers honey, as is Tia. She lived a wonderful life with you, sweetheart. Just remember all the wonderful times you had with her. Your heart will tell you when the time has come. Listen to it.

(((((HUGS)))))

Donna


Tia my darling,

This is your love, Winkie. I just want you to know that you are and always will be my first love. Your love from afar.

Love and kisses,

Your Winkie

[My Peanuts]

I'm so sorry Zara. I really don't know what else to say. As you have been, Tia and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Argranade]

Aww I'm so sorry about your little rat Tia,

I hope she breaks threw this, of course I want her to be with you longer, get better little Tia!