womzilla | Bruno not-Drinkwater, 2004-2006, R.I.P

Bruno was one of four rats that we purchased from a local pet store in 2006 and named after characters from Little, Big. We have always assumed that they were closely related, both because of their appearance (gorgeous and strikingly similar) and demeanor (standoffish). He lived his entire life with his "brother" Auberon and in recent weeks was joined by our spayed female, Sophie.

Bruno was probably the second-most sociable of the four, and would tolerate being petted and would come to the bars of the cage to say hello. He didn't much enjoy being held, but would sometimes sit on

nellorat's shoulder as she worked at her computer.

He had been mildly ill for a long time, with some obvious trouble breathing. However, he was otherwise healthy and his death came as a surprise; we suspect heart failure rather than anything related directly to the lungs. He seems to have gone very quickly, which is a relief for him and, frankly, for us; Auberon is well into a drawn-out decline, which obviously is no fun for him, and two of them at once would be more than any rat cage should have to handle at once.

Below the cut, two pictures.