Rainbow Bridge

2017

My ratties that are no longer with us. They may have passed from this world, but they are still in my heart.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

MLWR Mad Tea Party - 9/29/15 - 12/6/17

Stayed active and inquisitive, showed mild weight loss. No signs of respiratory issues or significant problems. Died in afternoon in her cage.

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MLWR Sugar Maple - 10/11/15 - 11/26/17

Lost some weight with age, showed very mild respiratory symptoms, but remained very active. Found having passed away overnight.

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MLWR White Oak - 10/11/15 - 11/07/17

Passed away in his hammock while sleeping. Was still a hefty weight, good coat condition. Lungs showed mild abscesses.

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MLWR Star Tours - 9/29/15 - 9/9/17

Was found passed away in his cage with his brothers. Still excellent weight, coat condition, no masses or signs of problems were noted.

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MLWR Witchhazel - 10/11/15 - 9/5/17

Lost a tiny bit of weight but nothing that seemed significant, but was otherwise bright and active. Died in her cage overnight.

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MLWR Super Nova - 1/18/15 - 8/10/17

Maintained a decent weight and hair coat, slowed down a bit but was still active, even using her wheel. Passed away in her cage with her sisters. No significant findings on necropsy.

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MLWR Dirk Gently - 11/27/16 - 7/24/17

Showed signs of the genetic fawn line respiratory illness. Died a couple days after signs appeared with no response to treatment. Several generations of outcrossing and delaying selection to move away from the illness shown ineffective with its occurance in him and his uncle.

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MLWR Starburst Galaxy - 1/18/15 - 7/17/17

Had developed some hind end weakness, but was still getting around ok. However, after a weekend out he was found with both back legs trapped in the bars of his cage, unable to move, both swollen and broken. Immediately euthanized to prevent further suffering.

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MLWR Bald Cypress - 10/11/15 - 6/15/17

Showed sudden, extremely acute respiratory illness, very similar to the genetic one seen in the fawn line he was a branch from. Untreatable, euthanized to prevent suffering.

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MLWR Stellar Nebula - 1/18/15 - 5/26/17

Started losing weight, remained very active. Found having died in her sleeping nest in her cage.

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MLWR Minion - 9/29/14 - 5/4/17

Passed away in his cage overnight with his brothers. Still a decent weight, had slowed down a bit, but no major problems noted.

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MLWR Dry Rain- 1/19/15 - 3/28/17

Rainy had significant weight loss, had become very thin with very thin haircoat. She was showing some weakness in her movements and difficulty getting around well. The decision was made to euthanize her before she started suffering.

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MLWR Calm Storm - 1/19/15 - 3/28/17

Stormy was showing very significant hind end weakness, which lead to him injuring a rear leg. Euthanized due to injury and ongoing weakness to prevent suffering.

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MLWR Agnes- 9/29/14 - 3/28/17

Agnes was still bright and active, but she had a very fast growing mammary tumor sprout up in the last month or so of her life. Due to her age and the rate of growth, the decision was made to humanely euthanize her to spare her suffering.

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MLWR Veteran Novice - 1/19/15 - 3/25/17

He was showing some signs of a chronic respiratory issue - no sniffling or discharge, but some mild lung sounds. Treatment was started but he was found passed away on the bottom of his cage a few days later.

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BVR-MLWR Ice Mistral - 6/10/14 - 3/9/17

Icy got very thin and wobbly, but continued to be super active, even getting on the wheel. Her obvious enthusiasm for her day to day life kept her around for longer than expected, though she was found having passed away in her hammock one afternoon.

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BVR-MLWR Dr. Aeon - 6/10/14 - 2/21/17

Aeon had been slowing down a bit but was still a very good weight, always looking for scritches and treats. Passed away overnight.

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BVR-MLWR Captain Mako - 6/10/14 - 1/17/17

Mako had a bit of patchy fur that is common with older rexes, and had lost a bit of weight, but continued to be interested in food and active in his cage. He was found in the morning after passing away in his sleep.

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BVR Baliper - 5/28/14 - 1/7/17

Baliper was moving slower but still seemed bright and active, interested in treats and kisses. He passed away in with his buddies overnight.

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