It’s never easy 😔 Better a week too soon than a day too late. What a lovely handsome boy he is 🧡

Bless you for getting upset...that's real love for beautiful Bercow.💞

I'm so sorry , this part is always so heartbreaking with rats. He had a good life with you

Jemma, I'm so sorry Bercow's time has come. Many hugs and love to you both. Thank you so much for sharing your reasoning for this hard decision. I'm crying and grieving for you both. Bercow will be at the rainbow bridge with the rest of your mischief that has gone before. Oh what stories they'll have to share.

It’s a decision we all hate to make ☹️ sending big hugs to you 💗 sleep easy bercow 💙

Its the kindest thing to end a pets suffering. I remember when we have to had our springer spaniel of 13 years old put to sleep because of liver cancer. We had the option to try and keep him going but it's wasn't fair on him. I'm sorry for your loss. The way I see it with pets is that they are the lucky ones who get the option to be put out of any suffering, whereas in most country's like the UK we have to suffer as humans. X May I just add that I have in the past tried to cling on to one of my 6 year old Guinea pigs who was suffering from unoperable kidney stones, and it was one of the worst decisions I ever made and still comes back to haunt me sometimes

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

I do agree with the human thing, having watch my husbands grandma suffer towards the end. It’s so horrible.

@ndavies5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare 😔 sounds awful. You take care and il keep on watching your videos. Don't rush to make any more xxx

Hardest decision to make... A vet once said to me: it's best to let them go a tiny bit too early, than a tiny bit too late... Sending you strength and love ❤️

I'm so sorry, sending love to you, and peace to sweet Bercow. It is the last act of kindness, to give a creature love and dignity at the end. Always heartbreaking. You share all aspects of rat care, which are equally important. Take care.❤🐾

Thank-you and Berkow for this xx

Thank you for sharing this moment with us. It's an incredibly difficult situation to go through, let alone share via video. You're an amazing person for putting your own feelings aside, and focusing on Bercow's wellness and dignity, along with considering the relationship you have with him. ❤️ It's difficult to do, but necessary. It's also important to demonstrate how these choices have to be individualized, and how a holistic view of the creature is vital in making decisions. Again, thank you, and sending all the love to you, Bercow, and the mischief.

This is always so heartbreaking :( I remember him starting all skittish and confused and you two came so far

So sorry he is a beautiful boy and you gave him a wonderful home with you. We should all be so loved ❤️

Awww, you are such a great rat owner. We are sorry to hear about your lovely Bercow x

I don't really know what to say Jemma this is so sad. Bless your heart and Bercow's. Sending lots of love I'll miss him being around. Totally understand your decision. Rest easy Bercow ❤

Bless you, Jemma.

I'm so sorry Jemma. He has had such a lovely life with you. I wish you peace with your decision.

I am so sorry about Bercow. Thank you for sharing this. I understand how hard it would be.

I'm really sorry 😔 I would lie if I said that this video didn't make me cry 😔 I'm happy that you two have found each other ❤️ Bercow will be missed ❤️ You are a fantastic breeder and a rat mom 🐀 I look up so much to you 🐀 Stay strong! The best decisions are often the worse to make

"Harm him mentally" exactly! 😔😌

You made a very difficult but kind decision. It has broken my heart every time I've had to make this decision but as you say, it's not about what makes us feel best, it's about what's best for them ❤️ he deserves to not have to suffer the stress ❤️ goodbye Bercow 💔

Sleep peacefully Bercow. You'll leave a giant Bercow-shaped hole in many hearts. Thank you so much for sharing this video Jemma, and explaining so eloquently how you arrived at this decision - must have been incredibly painful. Much love to you both. xx

I'm so sorry about your boy. My boy is going through the same thing. And I've been having a hard time deciding what to do. Thank you for posting this. It helps me think objectively. And it's nice to see someone who cares so deeply for their ratty

Aww bless you. I'm sorry 🥺 you are such an amazing rat mumma. I love watching your videos. You've helped me so much.

Thank you Jemma and Bercow for what you've given me and my rat family. Bercow's energy will continue to live on in the way I continue to understand my own rats that were similar to Bercow when I first got them. They were skittish and scared of me, and I was convinced that I would never bond with them. Through all of your videos with Bercow, I've learned how to slowly instill this trust in my own boys, and now we are best buddies. They're like Bercow in that they like to hang out on my shoulders and stare at me from a distance, but they do not like being messed around with too much. And your relationship with Bercow has shown me that that's okay, and that it's possible to build a bond and nurture happy rats in your home even if they're initially very apprehensive of their owners.

Sending hugs. I hope you can find a bit of consolation in knowing that you provided Bercow with a good life and peaceful end. He was lucky to have you. And thank you for making a video about it as well. So sad, but important topic to think and educate about.

I'm going through the very same thing right now..I share your pain I really do..its soooo hard...big loves x

Night night Bercow 😢. Hope you are okay Jemma, it’s such a tough decision to have to make but you know it was the right thing for him. X

You are making the right dessision. I've been there with a rottweiler a few years ago that had cancer in her spleen and probably in her brain too. The vet said they could operate but it would propably not be the best since she was 11½ years old wich in it self is a very high age for that breed. It was the toughest dessision I had to make in a long time but I don't feel that my pets should have to suffer just so I can feel good about myself. I am so so sorry for you having to take this dessision but you are thinking about your pets best intrest. He lived his best life with you

Thank you for making this. I'm so sorry to hear it's that time. It's a very important topic. I've definitely left things too long in the past and it's always useful to hear other people's stories to make sure we make the best call we can ♥️

Im so sorry, its always such a hard decision to make. He was so lucky to have you.

Thank you for sharing this with us 💔🐀

I'm so sorry! I welled up along with you. So many rats loved and lost. Never makes it any easier :'(

You're such a fantastic owner, these hard decisions are the worst. But sharing your pain with others to help educate is truely touching!

Really sorry about Bercow, but thank you for sharing this moment with us. As you said, it can really help making a difficult decision to see someone else sharing their difficult decision.

Bye, bye Bercow. x

Aww, really hope you feel better isamu. It is so sad, our thoughts are with you. Burko is at a nice old age. You are making the right decision regarding the medication.

You are so amazing and strong. You always confirm things for me, that i do do the right thing x

I'm so sorry. Heart broken for you so can't imagine how you feel. Rest easy little man ❤

That was so brave of you. I'm so sorry 😞. He was very loved, it's so sad. I know this happened a while ago but just wanted to say thank you for doing this video, it definitely will help anyone battling with the decision. Hope you are well x

Oh i'm so, so sorry. My whole entire heart goes out to you. Night-night little Bercow. You will be missed immeasurably 🤎

Thank you for sharing this. It’s never an easy decision, but you did what was kindest for him.

Thank you for this video. I will have to go through this Thursday. I appreciate what you've done for him

I'm so sorry for your loss. I found this video very sad but also comforting - our rattie Simond had to be put to sleep after a lot of illness during her short 10 months - eventually, after many rounds of infections and antibiotics, she went into sepsis needed emergency surgery (they thought it was pyometra) and they found she had a bladder problem that couldn't be treated so the vet suggested to euthanise her while she was still asleep. I felt bad to make this decision while she was still so young, but I am glad we put her interests and needs first, seeing how poorly and in pain she was. She brought us so much joy and packed so much mischief and fun

@__kichigaihime__

3 жыл бұрын

*packed so much mischief and fun into her little life

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

It sounds lube you made a very difficult but extraordinarily kind decision for her

I'm so sorry for your loss. I believe you made the right decision, heart breaking though it is. Be at peace, Bercow x

I am so sorry to hear this for all concerned, it is never easy to loose someone you love especially those who we take care of so much and try to give as good of a life as possible. It is hard to see him struggling for his breath, it reminded me of that no smoking advert where the child imitates the grandad with shortness of breath, and for such an active and busy animal that is no way of life. 😔 Mr Bercow 🖤

It's a hard decision to make but you know your rats and what is best for them. As you said you are not doing this for you your doing what's best for him. Thank you for doing this video it will help a lot of people including myself. Big hugs x

I'm so sorry Jemma. I thought for sure Bercow would make it to 30 months easy. But 28 months is still quite an achievement and you should be proud of your boy. Goodbye Bercow

This is heartbreaking :( I'm so sorry! Such a difficult but kind decision. I have a similar situation with one of my rats at the moment & this video has really helped me make a decision. Thank you

hey, i know this video is quite old but i just wanted to say how much i appreciate you making this. recently i had to put down one of my boys for lung issues (presumably a lung tumour) and he was showing very similar symptoms to Bercow. seeing this meant a lot to me as i’d been feeling very guilty after putting him down, my boys are the first pets i’ve really had so i don’t have too much experience with dealing with loss, and seeing you make this decision for a rat very similar to my own was so comforting, thank you for reminding me that the decision i had to make was the kindest i could’ve and that i’m not evil and i didn’t let him down for letting him go this way

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Massive hugs, I am really glad it helped, it was hard losing Bercow but I know I did the best for him. I think it’s so easy to feel guilty when in reality that rat is peaceful and no longer suffering, the kindest gift we can give in some circumstances is a good death

My condolences. Bercow was a good rat. I'm glad he will have a peaceful end to his wonderful life ❤

I'm so sorry, I hope Bercow is resting in peace. He was lucky to have you. In the absence of decision making, the fact that animals can't tell us when or how or why they'd like to be treated is frustrating. Ultimately all we can do is weigh the pros and cons, just like you did in this case, and do right by them

Sending huge hugs to you. I had to have one of my boys pts yesterday. Yes its probley tge hardest descision anyone will ever have to make. Thank you for making this video huni i can understand how you feel and the video must of been hard but you and Bercow will help so many others xxxx

This video must have been extremely difficult to make, but it came at exactly the right time for me. My oldest rat, Bodi, is in the same situation as Bercow as far as heart issues and getting tired easily, and this morning he didn't come out to the front of the cage to greet me like he always does. It's been in the back of my mind for a few days that I should make the decision for him, but I've selfishly held on to him. Your quality of life call is exactly what I needed to hear today, so thank you. Also, thank you for for saying that the cost of causing Bercow panic by giving him meds by syringe isn't worth it. I've beaten myself up in the past over a similar situation, trying to force meds down a rat who didn't really like to be held, thinking that I was doing what was best by providing medication, but feeling that it was the wrong thing to do. It was difficult to watch this video through my tears, but your timing couldn't have been better. Rest peacefully, Bercow. I wish the same for my Bodi.

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Massive hugs, I’m really sorry about your boy too. It’s a bloody hard decision and I mostly made this because people do need to know that it’s ok to make that call earlier. We shouldn’t feel like we have to put a rat to sleep as soon as it falls ill but we also shouldn’t feel like if we haven’t tried absolutely everything we’ve failed the rat. Sometimes the middle ground is the kindest for that particular rat.

@endlessmtnwildlife

3 жыл бұрын

@Anne MacLeod Thank you, and I agree with you completely.

@endlessmtnwildlife

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare Thank you. A while back, I forget which video it was, you said that as responsible rat parents, we should strive to give them lovely, happy lives and a peaceful end. Something along those lines, anway. I think about that often.

I'm so sorry.. i just lost one of my rescue boys to heart failure. He was only 1 yr old. He was on meds for 3 weeks but I decided to help him on his way. He was SO skinny. Ate his food but mostly lay breathing heavily. No qol. I hated having to do it. Still feel guilty about it. They creep in to your heart.

Thank you for sharing this.

We all know it is what's best for them that matters, yet no matter how many times we have to make that decision it is/can be heart breaking. He had a good caring owner who knew how to give him the best life he could ever dream of.

Very brave to share your heart with us. Explaining this to anyone is always very, very difficult. I know the video was seven months ago but I hope you are feeling better.

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I do miss my funny old man but I am ok with it, plus he’s got many lovely descendants around, not least my current lad Trollkin. One nice part of breeding, you get to share your life with their offspring

I’m so sorry it’s never an easy decision but in the end you did what is right for him unfortunately it’s the hard part of owning rats the shortness of life I have 9 girls and two of them will be turning 1 in a few days. BIG HUGS

l understand exactly what you are saying and as hard as it is always to make this decision, in your heart you know it is the best one for him.

Thank you for posting this video. Been watching a lot of vids lately and many times Im unimpressed with the detachments people have made with emotion. This video shows me that you REALLY care about your baby's and to show the love and support they need, was a refreshing look at our love for our little ratties. Your emotion was real. You didn't look like you were reading off of a script. Very genuine. Very moving. Sad. But, from someone who knows and loves, I understood your pain and loved your compassion. Kudos to the realness of the reality of the situation. As a fellow lover of my "rodentists" I know your pain and you explained everything he was going through with dignity mixed with the absolute sadness of the situation. Thank you for sharing the sad side of having these sweet creature's in our lives. I felt your pain. I felt your sadness. I understood your explanation of what he was enduring. I understood the pain in your heart and felt the love. Be Blessed. I know your babies are blessed to have you as a human being.

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I definitely am not the kind of person that can do a script, especially not with something like this, I’m too disorganised, easily distracted and really the rats lead me on what I end up talking about, they are by far the stars of these videos. I’m very lucky to be owned by them.

@juliaitch420

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare Oh! My heart just skipped a beat and my eyes filled with tears. We sound so much alike. I'm disorganized. Can't and won't follow a script and yes, they own us! Thank you for showing complete and unconditional love for your babies as well as showing your own love for humankind. May Peace always be with you and yours...

Thank you for your video! I’m so sorry about Burko

I'm so sorry, u are great person I hope everything works out for u and him..

Im so sorry to hear this 😞 i lost my heart rat 2 weeks ago due to heart problems and I’m still struggling to come to terms with it ..it’s absolutely broke my heart ...the way he passed away was so distressing ..i just keep playing it over n over in my head ... he trusted me so much and just wanted to be with me 24/7 so the guilt i feel for watching him struggling to breathe just before he passed is heartbreaking ...my regret now would be not putting him to sleep before this happened ..i think id have dealt with it better if he had passed peacefully ..now i have to live with that guilt 😭 ..it will never happen again ..I’m always going to PTS before anything like that could happen again to any of my other boys ..i loved him so much 💔

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

We’ve all had these experiences, they are horrible but also very valuable. I had a case that will always live with me where I left it too late. But the thing is as long as we learn from then it wasn’t in vain. Your boy is at peace now and he wouldn’t want you beating yourself up about it because he loved you. Just use it to inform yourself for the future and allow yourself to heal

I lost 2 of my rats this year and I had to make this call regarding one of them, my heart rat. he was 3yo and was the sweetest boy i ever had. His breath was getting worse each day, vet had to put him in the o2 chamber and he couldn't get out without getting cyanotic. It was the toughest decision i ever had to make, however i did not want to make him suffer and live the rest of his life like that. Your videos really helped me through this hard time, and i'm forever grateful for all the knowledge you pass on to us, fellow rat lovers. Thank you, Isamu Rat Care

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and I’m really sorry to hear about your wonderful boys, sounds very stressful and upsetting

Bercow lives on in all the other shy ratties that he’s helped come out of their shells. My guys are so much better because I was able to apply the things you and he taught us, Jemma. Thank you, sweet Bercow, and rest easy. 💙🌈

Sending you a massive hug! It's the hardest decision to make but ultimately the kindest you can make for him. Thank you so much for taking such good care of him and giving him such a happy end to his life. I loved that boy and am teary along with you, but so thankful for you making the right call 💜💜💜

My condolences those decisions are never easy to make. also thank you for sharing such a sensitive and hard decision so we can learn to take the best care of our ratlings even if the decision is hard for us. Which I believe will make bercow's memory special have an even more special meaning. I know it will for me and my ratlings. huge hugs sent your way

Oh Jemma, I'm so sorry. Bercow is a little (big!) dude. He's touched so many of our hearts, as have you. I can't imagine how difficult this video must have been to make but I know the decision is always the hardest one we make as guardians of our companions. I had planned to message about waiting lists etc on FB but that will wait for a while! Sending much love to Bercow and you

I'm making this tough decision next week. This will be the third I've lost and it never gets easier. Sleep well bercow. Xxx

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Hugs I hope things go smoothly for you

@katebagshaw2952

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare thankyou jemma. It's always so tough but this video really helped me know that it was time. Thankyou for making this during such a tough time for you and your boy ❤️

♥️

I've just been reading your website (I'm always referencing it) and if you have a moment, I was hoping you could elaborate on using urine dipsticks to test for protein levels as an indicator of kidney disease. How would you do this (like how do you interpret the results)? Thank you! My heart is with you and Bercow at this tough time ❤️

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

This is probably the best on how to do it, essentially human dip sticks will do as long as they cover protein blood and glucose, for kidneys degeneration you’re looking for readings higher than trace across a couple of tests Using urine analysis test strips for rats

@MyPerfectMischief

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if you've seen this, but she did make a video on this not too long ago. Here's the link: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nWWltMOtlLzMoaw.html

@queerpan

3 жыл бұрын

@@MyPerfectMischief Oops, missed that! Perfect, thanks!

Idk.. I regret putting my cat to sleep..he was sick but he also wanted to live. He would have died within a week or me making the decision, but I still very much regret it. My last rat wasnt in pain and passed away at home with his mate and I am ok with my decision not to have had him put to sleep.

I just want to start by saying that I completely respect and appreciate your decision. It's a dreadful part of keeping our beloved animals and not something anyone takes lightly. I've never had the pleasure of keeping rats, as I'm from Alberta Canada and it's been illegall to keep them for around 5 decades. I can't speak for rats, but I have a senior Guinea pig who requires twice daily medication. When I knew over a year ago that he'd require this, I honestly had the same thoughts and feelings you are expressing. We had a very rough start, but he came to see it as routine and no longer fights me or stresses over syringing meds. This is a rather fiery pig who doesn't like being messed with in any sort of restraint kind of way. Do you think that it's possible that a rat could possibly become desensitized eventually? I also appreciate that you're dealing with a heart condition in his case. I'm very sorry to hear that you're dealing with this terribly difficult decision. He's lovely and you're doing incredible things for your rat community. I find your video's very educational and interesting. I actually started watching because I have two sugar gliders and I was looking for some new enrichment ideas. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help animals and the people who love them!

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

For some rats it is something that they would get used to, for others it would be too much stress. It may also be that if this was a long term situation where the rat had otherwise good quality of life that with enough time you could find something that they would take meds in. Every situation is unique and it needs knowledge of the individual to really make that call.

@jenniferhislop7007

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare @Isamu Rat Care I can appreciate that the decision was not only based upon his personality, but also that he was advanced in age also. I'm sure that you took everything into consideration and have made the best choice for him. I'm sure that this will help others outweigh all the factors involved as they are faced with the same situation at some point. Thank you very much for your reply. Take care 💗

Hi, it’s my first time owning rats, and I absolutely love it! I have noticed that one of my rats goes completely limp when I hold him, but only really likes me for treats, while my other rat who is TERRIFIED of being held, really enjoys spending time with me. Both of them love free roam time, but if I do much as move my hand they run away and trough a fit. Do they just need to get comfortable in the area, or is there something I can do to work with them?

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

How long have you owned them so far and where they from a breeder or shop?

@mooseandfredvr6928

3 жыл бұрын

They were from a breeder, and I’ve had to them for about six months, the one who I thought was terrified really just does not enjoy it and now let’s me pick him up occasionally inside the cage but not really more that that yet, he is not scared of me though and really enjoys free roam he just is not very comfortable in the area I think

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

Some rats don’t love being picked up, for me as long as they let you without fuss (important if there an emergency and you need pick them up quickly) then I keep holding minimum for them and just let them climb onto me normally. If he seems otherwise happy and enjoys time with you I would accept his choices, I’d he’s still scared and nervous then it’s worth working with him further

I found a tiny lump on one of my bucks back on christmas day. I felt it because I always do a weekly check to feel for lumps and bumps. I felt it again today and to be fair it is hard to pin point and hasn't grown at all yet. I'm hoping it's just a fatty lipoma, one of my Guinea pig has one and its just a fatty lump that moves around under the skin.

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

If it feels solid and in the skin it could well be a cyst, they are fairly common in Bucks and usually no trouble at all, effectively scabby material trapped in the skin

@ndavies5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare it feels like a spot on human skin, but I've checked it and there's no scab and nice skin over it. If it gets bigger il be able to tell if it's hard or not. Rufus keeps moaning at me when I look for it lol. I'm glad it's on his back and not under his arm where if it grows big it will cause disability. Thankyou for the info and Il keep you updated incase I need some more help with it if that's alright with you x

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

That’s no problem, definitely keep an eye, I will say a smooth top is normal on a cyst until it gets big enough to open up (then it’s very satisfying to give it a hand lol). But definitely worth monitoring to see how it turns out

So sad!!!!

My Ringo is almost just like Bercow, about the same age, same symptoms, plus serious respiratory issues and wheezing. Ringo like Bercow thou he only interacts with me at his discretion. How long should I wait before I should make the call?

@IsamuRatCare

3 жыл бұрын

I’m afraid only you can make that decision because you know him as a person. You can see my logic with Bercow, hopefully it will help but it’s not really possible to make the call on a rat you don’t know or at least see

@pumpkinsbeatles8833

3 жыл бұрын

@@IsamuRatCare I made the call yesterday, it feels silly to be so heartbroken over a rodent, but he was my furbaby. I have 2 younger boys left. They are such affectionate and empathetic little creatures. The vet gave me a 15-20% chance that at his progression in decline of antibiotics working. So I made him comfortable in my lap and the vet allowed me to hold him while she did it. The other 2 when I got home had obvious discontent, somehow they knew. They were so sad. It was remarkable their raw emotion. Thank you for your help.