Norbert, my friend, my rat...
I miss you my Burton. You left me so suddenly today and I still can not believe you are gone. We spent every day together and suddenly you are no longer here. I am saddened beyond words. Such a little guy, you were always affectionate and sweet. Happy to hang out on my shoulders or in my hoody. Ever curious and always on the lookout for a delicious snack. You will always be in my heart my dearest Norbert. I love you.Norbert passed away thus morning at ~6:30am. He rang his toy bell and I heard him cough/hack ( a nasty sound ) and he was half out of his hammock when I came and got him out and held him in my hands seconds later. I knew he was dying, I don't know why but I could tell he was going fast. He had just stopped breathing and I just held him petting him and letting my tears fall. At some point I lay him back in his bed until I could come to grips with what just happened and then make his funerary arrangements ( he will be cremated and his ashes returned to me ).... The day has been long and sad and I fear I am not done shedding tears for him. But he knows he was loved and is loved still. A rat among rats among humans.. he was a Good Boy!