I'm not a sketch artist, and haven't drawn much since highschool, so please excuse the lack of quality in this piece.

We lost a beloved family member today, and to say the least, it hurts. Josh (AKA 'EAGL You Raise Me Up' was special in so many ways. He was my daughters personal pet, and a very people oriented rat. He thrived on being near us, snuggled up to us, and being friends with us. He was also the first rat of his newly imported, rare in the US variety born in the NW USA.

My toddler daughter and him often napped together, and he wanted nothing more, than to be with his people at all time. His loyalty, and patience puts many dogs to shame.

Last year, we had a case of SDA, a deadly viral infection go through the rattery. The only reason Josh did not die, was because I was too stubborn to let him go. Many times over the 3 days of his severe illness did I almost loose him, but after losing his Mom, I couldn't do that. Sub-Q injections, oxygen, and nebulizer treatments are the only reason the boy survived then.

I did not think he'd be with us long, and every day he was here, I knew how blessed we were. Most rats after such a severe illness, become sick soon after, and can not fight those illnesses due to the stress put on their heart, and scarring in their lungs. Josh was differnt, and only until the other night he was strong, and had no problems.

We lost those wonderful pet to heart failure, most likely thanks to his past SDA, along with the stress from our record breaking heat wave here in Oregon. I think of it as, his heart was so big, and he loved so much, he just could not hold onto life any longer, and will now have to take care of us from the Rainbow Bridge.

I love you baby boy. Thank you for all your love, your dedication, your patience, and loyalty. Most of all, thank you for joining our family, and being such a bright part of our lives. Our family is richer, just because you were here.

Poem that reminds me of him: [link]
His personal page, with photos of him through life: [link]