Sept. 10, 2007--The smallest member of the family here at Chez Schiepple, the Rex rat known as Reepicheep, has passed away tonight athe age of eight months after a long battle with respiratory illness. Though she had a place in all our hearts she belonged most completely to Karin.
At times Reepicheep, named for the valiant mouse swordsman in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, embodied her namesake's courage in the face of great challenges. In the end, though, even nebulizer treatments and pina colada-flavored antibiotic syrup could not stay the cold hand of death.
Reepi, as she was affectionately known, is survived by her person, Karin, her rat cage-mate Elle, dog Bud, cat Alice, and humans Kaelyn, Nathania, and Kevin. Condolences should be delivered to Karin especially.
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OK, so it's like this: Reepicheep died in my hands tonight. And I was OK when we told the girls (their Dad happened to be by to drop off a few things so we asked him to stay while we told them). After Karin started to really cry and we all sat down together, I fell apart--a grown man crying over a pet rat we've had for all of six months. I didn't cry this hard when Mom told me they'd had our dog Taffy put down (at sixteen--an old dog).
When reassuring Karin that Reepi hadn't died alone, I realized as the words dropped from my lips that I had never actually held a warm furry creature as the life passed from it. It's not an experience I'll be seeking out anytime soon and I think it may have tapped into something inside me. Not sure what that really means yet.
We'll miss you, sweet rat. Sleep well.
I am so sorry...poor Reepicheep. I still feel bad that I was overseas when my rat Gypsy died, but I'm not sure I could bear watching it happen either. Hugs for all of you from me...
Posted by: Britta | September 11, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Being present when life leaves any living creature is not a pleasant experience. Bless you for being there for Reepicheep.
My own dog, also Taffy, is 12 but still going strong. I think when you're beloved pet is advanced in years, like your Taffy was, you expect things like this to occur. It's when your pet is young and vibrant and taken away that it's harder to fathom. What's even harder is having to break a child's heart by telling them.
Godspeed, Reepicheep. I know there's a special place for rats at the Rainbow Bridge.
Posted by: Denise | September 11, 2007 at 10:22 AM
So sorry, hun. Give Karin big hugs.
I hope whatever it is you tapped broadens your experience and your life.
Posted by: Nita | September 11, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Hey Mr. Schieberl!!
How's life?
I'm in Fremont's Orchestra; 2nd violin, 1st chair. Pretty good for a freshman? I dunno. Fremont High is awesome. Mr. Kelly is quite interesting but you're better. haha...
Anyways, fill me in on things at SMS. How's this year's Orchestra? Is Steven Bi there? or Andy? haha...
Awww... Poor Reepicheep. Let him rest in peace... It hurts when something even so little passes away.
um... ask Mr. Roberts for my email cuz I prefer not to show it to the whole world and that email is my junkmail account so... yeah. ttyl!
Janice
PS: I have a facebook too if you want to contact me though that.
Posted by: Janice | September 11, 2007 at 05:31 PM