It’s a hard thing to lose a pet. Yesterday, Runny, our eldest degu, passed away. He was almost six years old. In those six years, that small little guy became a big part of our family. We’ve been looking after him for 24/7 these last two weeks and there was a point he seemed to really be improving, but he took an unexpected turn on Saturday. He held on as long as he could–he was such a fighter–but it wasn’t meant to be.
Runny always liked to do his own thing and wasn’t much interested in bonding with people when we first got him. He tolerated them, but he dug his wheel (hence the name). We wanted him to be happy, so we didn’t push him into anything he didn’t want to do. After his cagemate died, we knew he’d require extra attention so he wouldn’t get lonely and depressed (the introduction of two new degu friends did not go over), so I started the process of taming him by sticking my hand in his cage and resting it in his hammock. He’d edge over, decide it not dangerous, and lay on it. Two years and a lot of work later, he loved being scratched, pet, held, combed and cuddled and would show his appreciation for us by grooming our fingers and warbling. He was such a good little guy. Near the end, he used the little and last of his strength to get from the cage and into our hands, demanding to be held and refusing to budge no matter what. I’m gonna miss him a lot.
So needless to say, I’m hoping for a better week. Here is a Stupid Courtney Quote from the last one: “I had no idea Rice Krispie Squares were so easy to make!” But you know what happens when you go your whole life thinking Rice Krispie Squares are difficult? You don’t make them. And then you don’t eat the pan.
In other news, I’m looking forward to WordPress 2.7, even though upgrading is a pita (a relatively painless one, but a pita nonetheless) and C.K. Kelly Martin had some very lovely things to say about Cracked Up to Be. I’m super humbled by them because she is such, such, such an incredible writer. Wow. It’s really surreal reading what other people have to say about my characters and the plot. For the longest time, Parker was just my character and I was hoping for the opportunity to share her with the world and now that she’s getting out there I am like, okay, be a good guest! Don’t embarrass me and stuff! I do that pretty well on my own!
I’m looking forward to Halloween. Does anyone remember the year they stopped Trick-or-Treating? I can’t remember how old I was, but I remember me and my friends declaring it lame, so I went to the video store to rent some horror movies instead and… caught said friends Trick-or-Treating. That was awesome. Actually, it was kind of a relief not to run around in the cold askin’ for candy. My fav Halloween was when I stayed in and piped Tubular Bells through my open bedroom window. Take that, neighbourhood.
Anyways. I’m taking Monday off. Outside of business stuff and urgent matters, I’ll be replying to emails and doing the blogosphere thing after that. Maybe I’ll make a dent in the ol’ ~*Sparklepants.*~
Or chill.
-
-
publication date
Monday October 27th, 2008 @ 3:05am
572 words, 45 sentencesmeta stuff
categories: cracked up to be,fall for anything,personal
-
ILUC-P
runny sounds like a funny little bugger. i’m sorry he’s gone, courtney.
Aw, it is so hard to lose a pet, especially one who’s been around for so long.
Rice Krispie squares are great. I love baking, but it is very bad for my figure because I always want to eat everyhting I’ve just made while it’s still warm from the oven lol.
Have a good Monday xx
{{snuggles}}
Oh– So sorry to hear about Runny. It is never, never easy, but you made it easier for him by your comforting presence. You know that going in, with pets, way underneath, but it still sucks each and every time.
In case you’re into it, I’m having a costume party over on my blog next weekend. Stop over– submit a photo– come one come all. The last year I went out I was WAY too old, probably 15 or 16, and was “Rooster Cogburn” which involved a cowboy outfit, eye patch, and John Wayne imitation.
Hang in there kiddo.
:( I’d love to think Runny and Abbey are keeping each other company right now. But Abbey was such a grouch, I bet her special place is where everyone leaves her alone to watch birds in front of a fireplace or something. So I’m thinkin’ Runny gets to run on his wheel away from Abbey or other degus, and a special hand comes in to pet him all the time. Anyway, that’s how it ought to be. :(
I think I stopped trick-or-treating around age 16 or so…heh. We knew we were too old, but my bff got so into costumes, you just couldn’t resist. I think eventually we replaced begging for candy with going to parties and watching cheesy horror movies. But um, not gonna lie, giving candy out now is WAY better than T-o-Ting because you get to pick exactly the kinds you want to have left over. :D
I cannot WAIT for Parker to snap her way into the world. She may not be a model guest bb, but she is someone people don’t soon forget, who gets talked about. She’s already got ‘em buzzing like crazy, and hasn’t even bothered changing into her party clothes yet.
Aww, I’m sorry about Runny.
Courtney, I’m so sorry about Runny! He sounds like a sweetheart, all cuddly like that … I’m sure he appreciated your patience and devotion! *hugs*
***
Hm, the year I stopped trick-or-treating … I think I was 14. In the past few years, people had started to give me funny looks when I would come to the door with my friends, because I was quite a bit taller than they were. It scarred me, I tell you!
(No, it really didn’t, it’s just one of my favourite anecdotes.)
So the first year I didn’t go trick-or-treating, I handed out candy and probably ate macaroni and cheese (I don’t quite remember). The year after that, I had a sleepover at my friend’s house, I think, or we at least got together for the evening and ate candy and watched stuff that I don’t remember. The year after THAT, I got together with more friends and watched Monty Python (Meaning of Life AND Holy Grail) and ate candy and pizza. The year after THAAAAAAAAT (i.e. last year) I got together with friends again and we watched the Blair Witch Project.
So I stopped trick-or-treating at 14, BUT I never stopped dressing up for Halloween. :)
I am sorry for your loss!
On a lighter note, since C.K. is done with her copy, can I have it? Please? PLEASE? *blink blink*
(O_O)
(*_*)
(O_O)
(*_*)
(O_O)
Courtney,
Aw…I “get it” regarding Runny. No matter how many animals have shared your home and your life, it never gets easier when the time comes to say goodbye. I’ve gone through it many times with dogs, hamsters, an African fat-tailed gecko, and a horse down the road. I love furry things. They are such good friends.
So…hug to you – now go and make some rice krispie squares and listen to some Mike Oldfield. Heh heh.
((vibes))
What a cute little critter. I’m so sorry that you lost a family member. You have my condolences.
You may also have my shoulder to cry on. I’m short, though, so you’ll have to lean down.
Briony: ILU2-CP. thank you.
kelvin: thank you. he really was & I am too. I think if you’d ever met each other, you would’ve gotten along. you’re a funny little bugger too. ;)
starrynite: it is. they’re pretty much family. it’s hard to let them go. & you and me have the same baking predicament! food is so awesome. & thank you.
rebecca: thank you.
sue: thank you, sue. you’re right. getting a pet is like agreeing to eventually having your heartbroken. totally worth it, but there it is. ooh, I’m not sure if I’ll participate but I am looking forward to checking out the costume party! thank you for commenting.
Emily: Runny and Abby are chilling in the same vicinity, being the coolest animals up there. :) I think that’s how it ought to be too. thank you for all the good vibes you sent him at the time. it means a lot. and uhm YESSSS! that is the best part of giving up T-O-Ting.. totally sneaking the candy you want to keep and then giving the less cool ones to trick-or-treaters. and aw, heh. I am grinning over your Parker talk, toe-scuff. shucks.
Annika: thank you.
Tori: thank you, that means a lot. and oh my gosh, there is nothing worse than going out at Halloween and getting that LOOK! we went out trick-or-treating with a particularly tall male friend one year (who was still with in T-O-T age) and one of the people at the houses said, “sorry, but we don’t hand out beer!” I felt so bad! and even if he had been a little older, who cares? it’s free candy night! I wanted to tell them to have a sense of humour. your post-trick-or-treating Halloweens def. sound like my idea of fun!
Anthony: thank you, Anthony. the emoticons are a good ploy, but I think you’ll be hard pressed to get CUTB out of C.K.’s hands. she fought a crazy psychopathic finger puppet for her copy. :)
Carole Anne: thank you so much. we have had many pets in our home and I think, if anything, the goodbyes get harder as you realize how precious that time really is. thank you for your condolences. strangely enough, Mike Oldfield did play a part in my night tonight! I ended up carving a pumpkin.
Little Willow: thank you so much. it is losing a family member and it’s weird not having him around. I appreciate your condolences and thank you for rooting for him all that time he was sick. your understanding & support means a lot.
Oh, Courtney. I’m so sorry to hear this about Runny. I had my hopes up that he was doing better.
*hugs*
Thanks, Susan. I did too. :(
BIG HUGS Courtney! So sorry about Runny, but thanks for sharing your memories and the cute picture.
Thanks, Stephanie. I appreciate it. :)