EAGL You Raise Me Up
Charcoal Black European Husky

DOB July 25 '06
DOD July 12 '07

Cause of death was heart failure, likely related to the heat wave, and past SDA infection and pneumonia.

Breeder: Emily of EaglesEye Rattery in Oregon

Josh was the first UK husky (roan) rat born in the NW. His Grandpa was an import directly from Europe, and his parents were given to us by Becky of Critter Cave!

Josh is a sweet shoulder rat, and a good friend of mine. His mother was "my daughers rat", and after we lost Zaddy to SDA, she was devistated. Dea had a lot to do with the raising of this litter, these were some of the first babies she was old enough to really HELP with, such as filling bottles, holding babies, and helping feed them. Because of this, she became very attached to Josh. Now in replace of his Mum, Josh has become "Deas rat", and she'll ask for him by name, to cuddle on the couch with. He'll sit with her, and snuggle 'forever' which is wonderful to watch!

During our SDA outbreak in '06, we almost lost Josh to pneumonia. He was kept alive by artificial means, until he was strong enough to live without the aid of sub-q injections, oxygen, and nebulizer treatments. After the SDA outbreak he had no symptoms of myco, or other problems so in '07 we choose to breed him twice to help develope the new roan line in the NW.

After being bred, Josh developed some rat aggression, and I've not introduced him to other boys yet. I plan to work on formal intros later, but for now he's living on his own since I have not had the chance to work on proper intros with a group. He is still wonderful with people, including being an exceptional, and calm "kid rat" for my daughter, and at community events.

 
"I Choose Tears"
Origionally posted on DeviantArt on 7/12/07

I'm not a sketch artist, and haven't drawn much since highschool, so please excuse the lack of quality in this piece.

We lost a beloved family member today, and to say the least, it hurts. Josh (AKA 'EAGL You Raise Me Up';) was special in so many ways. He was my daughters personal pet, and a very people oriented rat. He thrived on being near us, snuggled up to us, and being friends with us. He was also the first rat of his newly imported, rare in the US variety born in the NW USA.

My toddler daughter and him often napped together, and he wanted nothing more, than to be with his people at all time. His loyalty, and patience puts many dogs to shame.

Last year, we had a case of SDA, a deadly viral infection go through the rattery. The only reason Josh did not die, was because I was too stubborn to let him go. Many times over the 3 days of his severe illness did I almost loose him, but after losing his Mom, I couldn't do that. Sub-Q injections, oxygen, and nebulizer treatments are the only reason the boy survived then.

I did not think he'd be with us long, and every day he was here, I knew how blessed we were. Most rats after such a severe illness, become sick soon after, and can not fight those illnesses due to the stress put on their heart, and scarring in their lungs. Josh was differnt, and only until the other night he was strong, and had no problems.

We lost those wonderful pet to heart failure, most likely thanks to his past SDA, along with the stress from our record breaking heat wave here in Oregon. I think of it as, his heart was so big, and he loved so much, he just could not hold onto life any longer, and will now have to take care of us from the Rainbow Bridge.

I love you baby boy. Thank you for all your love, your dedication, your patience, and loyalty. Most of all, thank you for joining our family, and being such a bright part of our lives. Our family is richer, just because you were here.

Click on the thumbnails to view a larger pic!

Josh 7/31 with a black sibling

Josh in a pile-o-siblings!

5 week old Josh

Taken 9/4

Taken 9/4

Taken 9/13

Taken 9/13

Taken Oct 3

Taken 10/3

A completelty faded Josh. He faded MUCH too quick!

These were taken 4/26

Josh and his kid, taken 5/4/07

Perfect cuddle rat. Taken 5/4

Dea, Josh, and Traum the Corgi

Taken June 10

Kisses! They were watching TV together

The last photos taken of Josh

July 9, '07

July 9, '07

Back to the Boys Page