My darling Clementine being laid to rest for an eternity of sleepy dreaming.

I was at Petsmart picking out post-surgery treats for Clementine when I got the call that she didn’t make it through surgery.

Clementine was my first rat. I adopted her on August 8, 2011, as a birthday present for myself. I had a couple of months alone with her before we added to our family, and it was clear from day one that Clem and I were spiritual soulmates. In our little family, she was the big sister and the dominant one. She was the glue that held her sisters together, the Blossom to Elanor’s Bubbles and Joely’s Buttercup. She was the cuddler and the groomer. She was always very affectionate, and she often held my mouth still for the purpose of administering kisses.

She once chewed up my favorite Radiohead shirt. I decided to wrap her in that shirt when I buried her. She was laid to rest in the garden where I took this photo, and we’ve laid down the stone she’s sitting on in that photo as a grave marker. I kept the cloth she was wrapped in when the vet gave me her body. I was able to get a few decent paw prints from her, one of which I plan to get tattooed on my wrist, and I clipped a few patches of her fur to hold onto or possibly put into a locket.

I’ve long feared such a horrible event, and I can’t fully express the devastation I feel from the loss of Clementine. It’s worse than I could have ever imagined. I can honestly say this is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I keep hoping this is just a nightmare that I’ll wake up from soon. Clem was my baby, my muse, my spirit animal. My life revolved around her and her sisters. She was only a year old, but I’d like to think that the love and care I gave her in that year made it a happy, fulfilling life. Being her mom has changed my life for the better, and although the pain I feel right now is tremendous, I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have experienced her life with her.

I love you so much, my darling Clementine. I’m so, so sorry, baby girl. My heart is so heavy and I miss you so much already.

Rest in peace, Clementine
August 8, 2011 - August 22, 2012 

Elanor

Happy birthday, Clementine!!!! <3 (Taken with Instagram)

Clementine

Rat baths.

I’m in the process of moving, so my mom took care of the girls for a few days while I was out of town. I got back today. Clementine is glad to have me home.

I got a package in the mail (from my lovely friend Madison) that included some chocolate. This little thief grabbed a chunk and ran for it before I could grab her. Once captured, though, she admitted defeat and tried to stuff her mouth as much as possible until I took it away from her.

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