How to cope with their lifespans?

285 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Ratty_123, 4 mo ago

eugakico

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

I'm sure there's all sorts of posts on this topic but... Most of the time I'm in good spirits and think of it as, "I'm here for a good time, not a long time." (-the rats) but sometimes I get so sad all the sudden. I even had a nightmare last night. Having them has felt so therapeutic for me but I wonder about it being a double-edged sword when the time comes. Maybe too intense for a forum about rats :/

Save

Reactions: 1

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

Verucasdad

· #2 · 4 mo ago

With me, it's an odd thing. I started having rats in August of 2015 which was about a year and a half after my brother and niece were killed by a drunk driver. These little beings gave me a reason to get up every day. The strange part is how I put myself through the grieving process on a constant basis due to the short life span. It's a double-edged sword.

Save

Reactions: 3

eugakico

Discussion Starter · #3 · 4 mo ago

Verucasdad said:
With me, it's an odd thing. I started having rats in August of 2015 which was about a year and a half after my brother and niece were killed by a drunk driver. These little beings gave me a reason to get up every day. The strange part is how I put myself through the grieving process on a constant basis due to the short life span. It's a double-edged sword.

I'm sorry for your losses. I feel the same about them being a reason to get out of bed. Sometimes it's easier to love on and care for critters than ourselves.

Save

SonicRat

· #4 · 4 mo ago

I have been continually cohabiting with rats for 18 years now.You do become more matter of fact and philosophical about their short lives.I have known almost 50 unique little individuals where as I only would have known 1 cat,say.Their lives seem short to us but it is a long ,fruitful life to them.I visualise a big spiral of ratty souls somewhere out in the universe,they get off to come down here for a party( they dont waste time being sad,they pack every second of joy they can into their lives here,how inspirational!) then they leave and go home,and often come back to us again.As long as they have had a good long life and made it to 2 at least,I am happy,but sure,if I lose a young one or a favourite ,then yes,I am in pieces....but it is so worth it.I cannot imagine spending my time with any other creature.

Save

Reactions: 2

eugakico

Discussion Starter · #5 · 4 mo ago

SonicRat said:
I have been continually cohabiting with rats for 18 years now.You do become more matter of fact and philosophical about their short lives.I have known almost 50 unique little individuals where as I only would have known 1 cat,say.Their lives seem short to us but it is a long ,fruitful life to them.I visualise a big spiral of ratty souls somewhere out in the universe,they get off to come down here for a party( they dont waste time being sad,they pack every second of joy they can into their lives here,how inspirational!) then they leave and go home,and often come back to us again.As long as they have had a good long life and made it to 2 at least,I am happy,but sure,if I lose a young one or a favourite ,then yes,I am in pieces....but it is so worth it.I cannot imagine spending my time with any other creature.

I think that's a really nice perspective and I'm amazed that you've cared for 50 of them. Thank you for giving them good lives.