Beautiful Gerbil Eulogy

[Die Fledermaus]

Saw this today on the AGS board. It is beautiful.


--- In [e-mail], "Rebecca" <rebeccaaward@...> wrote:
>
> I knew you were getting old, though I had no idea your true age. A
> rescue from the local pet store that caged you alone as a singleton,
> I couldn't leave you alone like that. You came to me with no
> background. A complete mystery.
>
> Talented and smart, you came when I called your name. You did tricks
> and kept me company when I was alone. Running from shoulder to
> shoulder behind my head, you always had a quick kiss kiss for me.
> Never shy, always ready to play, you were my favorite. You blessed
> me with so many beautiful pups, but you gave me so much more than
> that.
>
> These last few months, I could tell you were feeling your age. You
> lost weight, you slept more, but were always still willing to play
> with me. This past week, I think you may have lost sight. It was
> hard for you to tell where the edge of my hands were. I was worried
> you would fall while you climbed around, but you had complete
> confidence that I would keep you safe.
>
> Last night, you took a pumpkin seed, but instead of eating it, you
> kept it in your mouth. Were you afraid your sons would snatch it
> away and you wouldn't be able to stop them because you couldn't see
> them coming? I kept them away to give you time to eat it. You moved
> so slowly.
>
> And now tonight, we found you curled up under the wheel. I wish I
> had been in here to hold you in your last moments, but that stupid
> project at work has had me so overworked and preoccupied, I had
> nodded off. When you needed me the most, I wasn't there. Oh Vincie,
> I miss you so much.
>
> We brought Lauren over and let her sniff you. I think she
> understands. She will miss you too. She has your daughters to keep
> her company. Your sons have each other. I guess I have them all
> too. Things just won't be the same without you. I will miss you, my
> dear Vincie.
>

My response:

So sorry.

I have been there many times like that with a lone rescued gerbil; I still have a few. I lost a few this past week and will post on that later. I've had many deaths recently including finches.

I've many times found them curled up, dead. I would think back on all our memories together - and always remember each and every one was an individual with a separate unique story. Sad as it all is, the love you (we) show is uplifiting.

Unless you object, I will paste that touching eulogy on my rodent board in the gerbil forum.

[pinky]

It is beautiful. Thanks to Rebecca and you for sharing.

[Die Fledermaus]

This was on the AGS board today from the same poster - a follow up.

>> Re: Goodbye my sweet Vincent

We just came back in from the burial. I will admit I put it off as long as
I could. At first, "it is raining" was my excuse", then I used "it is too
wet outside", finally, I just had no more excuses I could use. So, we went
out front, and dug a hole in front of religious statue we have in the front
flower bed. My husband said a few things. I just couldn't say anything.
My 7 year old remarked that he would live forever in our memory.

I sat on the front steps for a while, and remembered the times I had brought
him out front to pick fresh dandylions. Or the times I had brought him out
front when someone was adopting his children, so they could see how tame and
friendly the pups would be with time and patience. They always marvelled
that I felt so comfortable having him on my shoulder outside. With another
gerbil, I would have, but not with Vincie. He wouldn't have jumped. He
wouldn't have strayed beyond my shoulders, neck or pockets. Then I
remembered the others that we had buried: two infant pups that had died
within a day of birth. It had been easier to bury those - no names, no
personalities yet.

Rebecca <<