Saturday, August 6, 2011

Sunday 160 - Pet Reality

A 2 AM knock at the bedroom door 
was his daughter holding her dying pet. 
His mind said, 
“It’s only a rat.” 
His heart said, 
“It is not the rat that counts here.”
_____________________________
Our 18-year-old daughter has had a fondness for rats since grade school. They are intelligent, clean and friendly. She is on her fourth set and loves them dearly. Last night we lost one to old age. Her mother sat with her most of the night waiting for the last breath to be drawn. It was sad but not unexpected. The heartbreaking reality of pets - we love them, but out live them.
_____________________________

If you wish to take the Sunday 160 challenge, here are the rules:

1. The Sunday 160 only uses EXACTLY 160 characters (including spaces).
2. Keep on schedule - post after 8:00 PM Pacific Time on Saturday.
3. Let me know you have posted via a comment on my site.
(Be sure to mention you have posted a 160. Provide a link if you can)
4. Visit at least one other Sunday 160 writer.
____________________

28 comments:

G-Man said...

Rats!!!
They are like......Rats!!!!
Loved your Vermin 160 MM

I Played....G

Brian Miller said...

man that is tough, losing a pet...they are like family members..glad you listened to your heart...

working on one for tomorrow monkey...

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for your daughter's distress. My sister's family had a pet rat named Scarlet until she passed away--very sweet pet.

http://bodhirose.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/wee-hours-loom/

Gayle

Someone is Special said...

So sorry Man.. Hoping everything is fine..

Someone is Special

Evalinn said...

That is sad!

I´m up today.

My connection is pretty bad right now, I´ll pop by later today when I´m back home.

Caty said...

aww, that's sad. I've heard rats were intelligent. I am going to try hard to post tomorrow evening after I've had some sleep :)

Anonymous said...

Yep. I've been there with mice, gerbils, cats, and a rabbit.

Mine is up

Sharon Day said...

It's funny how a loved one's sadness is your own. At least it is for big-hearted folks. Great poem you big-hearted man.

Olivia said...

uh oh!!! Hope she's dealing with it well..

Hugs xox

Forlorn Hopes

Deborah said...

At least she was with it at the time, so sad, our pets are family.
'Heart' felt 160.

Cad said...

Hope you don't mind sharing? HERE

MorningAJ said...

As a former rat keeper I understand totally. Sympathy to your daughter.

My 160 is about loss of a different kind.

Everyday Goddess said...

Oh! So hard to witness.

Reminds me of when my pet rabbit Penelope took her last breath.

Maybe my 160 will help?

http://www.goddesswrite.com/2011/08/soaring.html

Maude Lynn said...

I'm so sorry, Monkey Man! That is tough to go through.

Maude Lynn said...

Almost forgot. I played this week.

Unknown said...

My kids experienced the deaths of their beloved kitties (who were already fairly advanced in age when they were born). It was a difficult fact of life to learn. Of course there have been numerous funerals for fish...we weren't very good at fish.

I played today...although I must have been DREAMING?

Evelyn said...

We lost two cats in a 7 month time period and it was very sad. But I think its an important experience, including having to say goodbye.

here's mine...

http://fillingahole.wordpress.com/2011/08/07/one-less-frivalous-purchase/

Monkey Man said...

Cad - your link doesn't work.

Monkey Man said...

HERE is a link to Evalinn's 160.

libithina said...

that's so very sad ~ you're daughter sounds so very caring ~ Lib

PattiKen said...

I'd like rats better if it weren't for the bald tails. But I'm glad you knew it wasn't about the rat.

The Bipolar Diva said...

That's so sad. She must be heart broken. I'm sorry....

libithina said...

I played too ~ http://libithina-giantacorns.blogspot.com/2011/08/third-wheel.html

steveroni said...

I grew up on a farm, and do not recall having a close attachment to rats.

But I could identify with your story, if I change the animal to "horse"! Thanks, MM.

Sandra said...

Only you could pull off a poem about a rodent.
...however, I'm sorry for your loss...right thing to say in this circumstance, right?

Enchanted Oak said...

Rats.
I hate sad endings.

Janna said...

Awwwww!

*sniff*

Pheromone Girl said...

Stellar ad moment, you deserve a prize. Especially for disposing of the - um - issue so your wife didn't have to. Gold stars.