Quote Originally Posted by NightLad View Post
Again, I'm sorry for your loss. But just remember; he had a long, full life doing what he did best... and he left a legacy of sons and daughters to prove it!
He surely did. He was at least 3 years of age which isn't bad at all for a pet store bred rat and he had a great life. Produced literally hundreds of offspring for us and went within 2 weeks of his longtime mate, HoneyChild, one of my original females and another very special old friend who also became a pet more than a colony rat.

Thank you for your kind words.

Quote Originally Posted by rabernet View Post
Awww, Joanna - I know how you loved that big boy! I know that you will take with you lots of memories of him, as well as cherish the fact that you were able to spend last moments with him before he passed on. I'm sure it was just as special to him. What a sweet boy!
I sure did Robin. I doubt Mike and I will ever bond to another rat like we did with old Nova. I remember bringing him home, a freshly weaned rat. Becky always said he was a great looking Hooded and he certainly produced some lovely offspring over the years. Not a genetic fault in a one of them, and most with his great temperment too.

He seemed very comfortable and in no pain at the end, which is always a blessing for any animal one cares about. Always a gentle big male, he went gentle at the end and that's the best of it.