Pixel Hemmingway Rat, a member of the species Rattus norvegicus, or Brown Rat, passed in the early hours of May 14, 2003 due to an acute respiratory infection.
During the previous evening, Pixel had begun to develop signs of respiratory distress, most notably labored breathing. Due to the lack of emergency medical facilities for domesticated rodents, he was unable to seek immediate treatment. He passed sometime between the hours of 12am and 6am. He was only a short 18 weeks old, an age approximately equivalent in development to that of a 16 – 18 year old human.
He is survived by his brother, Darwin Steinbeck Rat. Despite his short time with us, Pixel will always be remembered as a loving and playful companion. He had a great passion for life and its simplest pleasures, eating and sleeping. He will be missed.
Life is short but it is also long.
Every day is another chance,
To learn and grow and explore.
Treasure it, for none can ever know
What the future might hold.
In memory of Pixel Hemmingway Rat
January 5, 2003 – May 14, 2003
