Sad news and weird timing/coincidences

For those of you who've followed the saga of Sid the rat, and Nancy the mouse, I have some sad news. I'm sad to report that last night we said our goodbyes to little Nancy. She had developed a tumor a few months back, surgery wasn't an option. The vet said that being such a tiny little thing, she wouldn't have made it through the anesthesia, none the less surgery, so her condition was managed as best as possible. I noticed the other day that she had cataracts starting to form on her eyes, and she was beginning to slow down. On Monday I was going to make an appointment for her at the vet, I thought she might be getting ready to let go. I was right, she passed quietly tonight, tucked away with Sid in their igloo. I went to feed them, and Sid came out from the igloo with Nancy held in his mouth. He set her down at the door of the cage and stared up at me. He looked so lost, and it felt like he was asking me to fix her. She had obviously passed a short while before. Sid is going to be introed in with my big colony, where he'll have 10 brothers to love. I know nothing will ever replace Nancy in his heart, they loved each other more than anything in the world, but I'm hopeful that a new family will give him something to hold on to.
(If you're not familiar with Sid and Nancy's story, here's the link: http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33014)

And here is the weird part. Today, I was contacted on facebook by a woman who works at the animal shelter in my home town. She's the mom of one of my friends from High school, and she's the one who had originally contacted me about Sid and Nancy. Today, they just got a rat into the animal shelter. I live in Pennsylvania right now, and tomorrow, Rich and I are making the road trip back to Long Island to visit my family for Christmas. I thought it was SO STRANGE that the day after we lose Nancy, the shelter where we adopted her got a new ratty in, and coincidentally, we'll be back in that area tomorrow. I just can't wrap my mind around that. I have room for one more in my big cage, and it's almost like Nancy sent him there so that Sid wouldn't be the only newbie in the mix, so that he'd have a friend now that she's gone.

Life is so strange sometimes.

Rich and I are going to go visit this new guy on the weekend, and see what he's like. Karen said that someone found him in the parking lot of an apartment complex, and brought him into the shelter. I'm thinking someone dumped him outside after not being able to care for him properly. We'll probably end up taking him home, I can't ignore signs from the universe that strong, haha.

This is the newbie. I'll report back after we get the chance to meet him.

I was thinking about poor Sid on my way to work this morning. I think he's going to be just fine. Bringing Nancy to you I believe was his way of saying he said his good byes. Yay, on possibly (yeah right) getting a new member

He sat out with me for hours last night. He's never usually one to be held, normally when it was out time for him and Nancy he spent the whole time climbing around and exploring. But last night, he just sat in my arms, and I pet his ears. I know he's hurting right now, and it's breaking my heart. I think you're right, that was his way of telling me that she was gone, and he said his goodbyes.

I'm in tears. I've loved these guys from the start. I know for a fact that Sid will go on to be happy. And wow, what a sign! Amazing.

Rest well sweet little Nancy. You will be missed so much!

I am so very sorry for Sid's loss and your loss
Theirs was a wonderful love
and they both had a great life together with you

Thank you guys so much. I know Sid can feel the love, you've all been rooting for them from the start. The world could learn so much from Sid and Nancy, about how unconditional and accepting love can be, despite differences.

Oh sweet precious Sid! That is a beautiful and heartbreaking story.. Sending lots of warm healing thought to you and him! I know a new baby won't replace Nancy but maybe he can help ease your pain a little while you heal.

RIP, little Nancy. I'm sorry for your loss. Sid and the lucky newbie will soon have lots of friends, and that is a comfort. Such wonderful timing! The new little guy will be a Christmas gift for your hearts.