We bought Rolo the ratty in Summer 2008 as a companion for my rat Itchy. They got on like a house on fire and were never without each other -- partners in crime you might say!

When Itchy died an old man in his sleep, Rolo was pretty gutted to say the least. However, with lots of cuddles, kisses and friendship from the bestest ratty mummy there was, he got better and he quickly lavished all his friendship, love and attention on Erin.

They were inseparable since that moment and spent all their time lounging around on the sofa, sharing snacks and falling asleep together in front of a good DVD. Rolo was partial to a cup of tea and a biscuit and loved to be cuddled, stroked and have his ears and belly tickled. He destroyed many a snuggle blanket by chewing it to make it comfier and was frightful in his toilet habits but he was loved by all, any family, friends or acquaintances that met Rolo were in love with him instantly.

He came to live with me for a while when I lived in a rented flat and it quickly became clear that Rolo was no ordinary ratty. He refused to live in a cage, crying when I locked him away, so he lived on my bed while I slept on the sofa! He could easy have run away or run around my flat chewing and making mess, but every evening when I came in the front door, there he was at the end of my bed, standing on his back paws and twitching his little nose waiting for his cuddles. We taught him how to play fetch with cheerios, shared our cereal, soup, sandwiches, anything we had with him and he was the perfect companion. I did however have a slight problem in that he quite liked to chew up any clothes he found to make comfy nests and took a liking to my soft toys, chewing bits off them!

Then he went back home to live with his mummy again as the winter had passed and he never looked back. Every day they had cuddles and fun together, doing homework downstairs, watching TV upstairs, sometimes even curling up in bed for a sleep together!

Erin was the most doting ratty mummy there was, checking all his foods to make sure they were safe to eat, slipping him snacks and extra blankets and plenty of love. She cared for him the best anyone could have, right up until the day that she had to take him to the vet in a lot of pain and made the kindest decision she could have done.

Rolo left a big paw print in all of our lives and will never be forgotten. He was as human as any friend could be and understood when we were upset or unhappy and was always there to hand out whiskery kisses. Life will never be quite the same without our furry friend and no ratty could ever replace him as our true furry friend.

Rest in Peace, Rolo Polo, your mummy, auntie and grandma will love you forever and ever.

Sweet dreams xxxxx