Today is the big day. I’m off for Europe. I get to see some old friends, learn a little German, and visit some places I’ve never seen before. All in all, it’s pretty exciting, although my heart is not as overjoyed and carefree as I would like it to be. Aside from the fact that I do hate flying (as David mentioned), I also have to leave behind some loved ones. That is, the ratties and Mr. Mouse.

I don’t know if I ever mentioned my little mouseinator before. He’s always just kind of been there. I never even meant to adopt him, he just sort of became mine when a local animal shelter asked me to be his “foster home.” But for nearly two years I’ve enjoyed his company (even if it was a bit stinky at times). But at last his time had come. Riddled with tumors, I realized that I had to put him down before I left. It wouldn’t have bene fair to make my rat-sitter take responsibiliy for it anymore than it would have been fair to Mr. Mouse to let him keep struggling until who knows when. Still, I wish I could go back to the days when he would run incessantly in his wheel, or climb up to the top of the cage and hang upside down from the screening on top. In short, I miss the little guy.

Bon voyage, Mr. Mouse.