Amazing Animal Tricks

Rest Peacefully, Raven

8/28/2015

13 Comments

 
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After struggling with severe depression and off-and-on anorexia following the passing of Shadow, Raven finally lost her will to continue on and passed the afternoon of August 26th.  She scarcely ate during her final days, exercised very little, and her positive response to the arrival of a new companion for her was unfortunately short-lived.  Raven collapsed in her enclosure on August 7, after which I immediately separated her from the other rats and hand fed/watered her until she passed peacefully nearly three weeks later.  She is now finally reunited with the only one who could have liberated her from the depression and grief which tragically took her life:  Shadow, who passed away back in March.

Never have I witnessed such devotion, loyalty, and grief in an animal for another that passed on before them.  Rats are such incredibly emotional and sensitive animals, and I don't believe any rat has proved this better than Raven.  It pains me deeper than words can say to have lost two of my beautiful girls before their time; Shadow passed away back in March after reacting negatively to the anesthetic used during her surgery to remove a mammary tumour, and Raven due to the grief of losing Shadow.  I miss those two girls beyond measure, and I wish more than anything to have them back.


Below is a handful of photos of Raven taken throughout her life, which was by far the best life she could have ever lived.  She was cherished, heavily pampered, and adored for everything she was... mischievous, rowdy, bossy, audacious, and adventurous among many other things.  Raven has left a void in my broken heart that only she could fill, and it is not the same around here without her running about causing the mischief she was known for.  Raven, know that you are dearly loved and you will be missed until we meet again.  I love you, my precious baby girl.

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Raven at six weeks old.

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Hanging out on the farm equipment.

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One of my favourite pictures.  Left to right: Raven, Famous, and Suki

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Raven exploring the Bobcat.

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Raven (left) and Shadow (right)
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Raven loved to climb trees almost more than any other activity... almost.

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Raven's favourite activity (next to causing mischief in the house) was learning and performing tricks.  Here, she demonstrates her "jump" trick, where she would leap high into the air like a kangaroo.

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And in the evenings, Raven was always down for a wrestling match.

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Raven (bottom, drinking) and Shadow (top)
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All of the rats love to compete with each other over who gets to eat the treats hidden in the bucket of the wishing well, and of course Raven enjoyed participating in the competition.

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In the evenings, the ratties are given their pureed fruits & veggies.  
Here, Raven (left) shares a dish with Shadow (right).

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Raven was incredibly athletic.  On numerous occasions, she would dart up the curtains to perch on the curtain rod and look over her domain. She's the only Fancy rat I have had that has achieved this impressive feat (though my wild Norway rats do this regularly with ease).

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"Look what I can do, Mom!"


Various photos of Raven's 
evening fun
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Raven (right) with her sister, Suki (left)
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Raven and Famous

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Raven absolutely adored Nana, and vice versa.  She also loved the outdoors more than anything in the world, and more than any rat I have had in my life.  Thus, being outside with Nana was the greatest way to make Raven's day.
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Raven snuggles with Shadow, Famous, and Suki underneath 
Famous' outdoor skateboard ramp.

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"Where are we going, Mom?"

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Taken roughly two months prior to her passing.  This photo shows Raven chilling on the cooling stone in the rats' enclosure, with Famous by her side.

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In her final days, Raven spent virtually all of her time in this hut stationed on the window-shelf of the rats' enclosure (this photo is taken from the room outside the enclosure looking inside).  Mortimer (pictured) stayed by her side grooming her and bringing her food right until the day she collapsed.

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One of the last pictures taken of Raven.  Aged 2 years, 7 months.

13 Comments
Maya
9/14/2015 10:29:04 pm

That's terribly sad, I'm sorry or your loss. You are one amazing animal trainer and photographer, this rat was lucky to be yours :)

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Livvy link
9/29/2015 05:24:53 pm

I send my prayers. My rat gunner died recently from cancer but peaches my other rat has been doing well. She says hi to your other rats. I hope you are not super sad

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Jasmine
11/3/2015 04:35:40 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss of raven. We all had a soft spot for raven, but she's in a better place now, with shadow.

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illa
11/14/2015 08:04:44 pm

Raven in haeven, together with shadow.. send our prayers to them.. sweet raven...,take care ur mom from up there..

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Charlotte pedley
12/30/2015 03:30:20 pm

Omg I'm so sorry plus my bday is a day is a day b4 when she died. I have adored rats for years on end and I'm so sorry x I know what it's like loosing a rat 🐀

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Amara
1/6/2016 01:30:53 pm

Sorry for your loss, My family has a couple of rats, they are brothers(In arms :3) They are adorable and I would hate to lose them, again, sorry for your loss...

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Galaxy Kitty ^-^
1/10/2016 03:22:07 pm

I Fell in love with raven the moment I saw her. regularly when I think of rats I thing nasty building or graveyard long story short I would think something eww but I think she was quite the rat because she showed that rats were kind and nice creatures and that they aren't bad. I always loved raven but at least shes in a better place now :(

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Dominic from London
2/10/2016 05:06:57 pm

You're amazing and so are you're pets! The emotional bond and respect you hold with your animals is something I will only try to achieve with my own. Rest in peace Raven

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Nevaeh link
5/8/2016 05:55:15 pm

I currently have two adorable pet mice witch I got on April 8,2016. They are very fun but don't do tricks. Today was the day I learned of Ravens Life, but sadly her death too. I would most likely go crazy if one of my mice were to leave me. I am trying to prepare myself for the worst even though I just got them 2 months ago. Never before have I had a mouse or rat but I am glad that I have 2 companions now. So sorry for your lost. I hope to join them someday with you. I am 11 and live in West Virginia.

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Kianna Caceres link
6/25/2016 08:09:21 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss! You the best trainer ever and I hope I'll be just like you! Sorry for your loss. R.I.P Raven 😭😓🙈

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Eva Holmqvist
6/26/2016 03:44:14 pm

Thank you for sharing!
Loved it!! (Remember my own wonderful rats 25-30 years ago...)
<3 from Sweden

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Gamer123
10/10/2016 11:21:44 pm

im sorry for the loss of ur rat

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Kiana Mancini link
12/5/2016 02:01:16 pm

OMG! So sorry for your loss. 🐭🐀🐁I hope she is dancing in heaven.

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