My two lovely rats Thomas and William died three weeks ago, within two days of each other.

I'm heartbroken, as I always am when a rat dies (why, oh why, do they lead such short little lives?) but on top of that I'm feeling guilty. The thing is, I've been really ill over the last few months with severe depression. It got so bad that I really needed someone to look after me, and my husband wasn't up to it due to working really long hours. So I came up to stay with my parents for a few weeks of TLC. I left the rats at home with my husband, and I know he did a good job caring for them. But a fortnight ago, he had to break the news to me that they'd both died. There could have been several factors involved: they were getting pretty old, and the weather was very hot. But what's worrying me is that they might have died due to missing me. I don't want to sound big-headed, but until then it had always been me who had fed them, played with them etc. I'm worried they might have been bereft at me "vanishing" - for all they knew, I could have been dead!

I think realistically we did all we could, but there's part of me that thinks if only I'd been there they might still be alive.

So sorry for you losing your little chums. I think we all feel needlessly guilty when a pet dies. We think there is always something we could have done, but rarely there is anything we could have. I kept pet rats years ago and know what fabulous pets they make. Sadly most of mine had to be put down due to tumours and I always felt guilty, even though it was the right and caring thing to do. You said that you know your husband looked after them well. I suspect that even if you had been there, there would have been the same outcome, especially as they were old. It is frustrating that they only have short little lives as they make the sweetest, funniest companions. I hope that you get back on your feet again soon. Take care x

Hello Moll - I'm so sorry about your pets.

I agree with Mitten that from what you say, there would probably have been the same outcome (if not when it happened, then soon), but without the separation which is perhaps what is making you feel even sadder and more guilty. I had a cat which died (of natural causes) while I was away so I know how it feels. Hugs!