We say Good Bye to Ethel today. She was with us for a long time and was transported to Rebecca in IN for hospice care. Her time on this earth was coming to a close and we kknew she was getting ready to pass on. She lived a long life, especially for a rat raised on soy, but did much better once we took her off of it. We believe that if she had been taken off of the soy sooner, she would have lived much longer. Her lungs were too scarred from repeat respiratory issues from her weaked immune system. Once being taken off of the soy she did not have any more infections once taken off of the soy, but the damage done to her lungs by that point was too much for her in her weakened state.
She was put to sleep in Rebecca's home this morning, after yet another gasping attack. She was to the point that her ears were turning blue from the damage to her lungs. She was just not able to take in enough oxygen to survive.
We remember Ethel as a fighter. She was very sweet and loved to take her meds. She was very shy when she came into rescue, but blossomed beautifully. The only reason why she did not find a home was due to her health issues. We decided 3 months after coming to us that she would be kept in sanctuary until it was her time. She was already 2 years old when she arrived with her cage mate Lucy. Lucy did find a new home, but Ethel was never left without a friend. Ethel was very sweet and loving ratty, so we had no issues finding friend for her.
Ethel was a fighter to the end. Every time we thought she was getting ready to pass on, we would pick her up to let her have that human contact when she passed and that touch was enough to make Ethel continue to fight to be with her human companions. The decision to put Ethel to sleep was not an easy one to make. She bordered, for a long time, just this side of if she was suffering too much to let her continue on. Last night she finally passed over to the other side of that line and the choice was made, for Ethel's quality of life was declining too much. It was just a matter of days before she would pass, should we let her go naturally, but each breath seemed a struggle now.
We know that the only thing keeping Ethel going was not her body, but her fighting spirit. Her body had given out on her months ago, but her will to live kept her going. When it came time to put her to sleep, she seemed relieved to finally be able to join her friends who have passed on.
Ethel, you will be missed by everyone who met you. You were a very sweet rat with a very distinct personality. I know we will see you again when we meet you across the bridge and until then, we will miss you dearly.
Rest in peace Ethel
Tami
Social Rats Adoption and Rescue
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