I know how you feel. Me and hubbs own 2 guinea pigs, and 3 rats. We did have 22 rats when all 3 girls we had mated with the males. (Wasn't intentional. But we loved them babies!) We gave 11 away who were promptly adopted AS PETS thank the Lord a day later. Our oldest, Colonel was almost 3 when he crossed. That's old for a rat! He was the last one to go for now though, but its no less hard to bear. I remember when Shelly and Girly died. They both had terminal illnesses they got intrauterine from their parents but we loved 'em anyhow. 2 others I adopted out to a customer of mine who would come through my line a lot. (The lady named the Molly May and Minnie Mo.) She gave me updates all the time. (This was before I lost my job and lost all contact.) Regardless I remember bawling my eyes out when our little Shelly died. I didn't speak for 2 days and stayed in my room. We also adopted 3 older guinea pigs, one whom the owners weren't taking care of and had mange. (We kept him separate from the rest.) Toshi died 2 days later, Vince about 3 months after that, and Teddy Bear just last year. Teddy was almost 4 or 5 which is very good for a piggie but we still miss him. I cry thinking about it. (THAT'S probably PMS or something. I usually don't cry.) Then we owned mice who became cannibals even though they were well fed and well loved.) It happens. We recently adopted a little girl we named Ivory because she is an albino rat and looks and feels as soft as the soap. We got her for our little Izzy because she's such a good girl and deserved a companion. (She took it hard when her sister Shelly died.) The first day they were playing and grooming each other. Now they sleep curled up together, it's so cute. I can't forget either my ma's puppy Chico who we've had for 6 years now. He's my one and only. He was there when no one else was.
I know it was a long story but sometimes it helps to hear the experiences of others.
Just want you to know that yes, I have a heart, and yes I care. Just remember that all your past furbabies will be waiting for you, and one day down the road when you go to your great rewards they will be there greeting you for eternity.
