Jack:

You were a great friend. You listened to our family, in good and bad, never judging our pettiness and inane banter.

All you asked in return was some attention, possibly a stroll around the house in your big pink ball of doom. And always to be scratched between the eyes. Oh how you squealed with excitement at that.

You were older than Keylie and so full of life. I’ll miss you, even if everyone raised an eyebrow at our undying love for a common Chile rodent.

I’m not ashamed to admit everyone cried on the last day you were alive. Even my mom who called you ‘Jack the Rat’, was sad to hear you were going home to Degu Heaven, as Alise called it.

We buried you wrapped in Kleenex in a Stride-Rite box in the backyard. Wrapped over and over with masking tape and topped with a printed picture of you when you were younger.

Everyone signed the picture with love, like a guestbook at a funeral. The girls cried and then laughed remembering how you so loved to get out of things. I think they hoped you would find a way out of your makeshift coffin.

Keylie picked dandelions and placed them on your grave. She has been doing it everyday since you died.

Rest in peace, Jack.

Love,

Your Family