I cannot even imagine what I would do if that happened to me. Many times I have wondered if there was a chance that could happen to an animal but I figured it was unlikely. This is the first case I have ever heard of it happening. I am sorry to hear that.Years ago one of my dogs died of lung cancer. Talk about guilt...he didn't smoke.
I know how that feels. I have had three rats that I saved from being snake food, and they were awesome pets. No one likes them but you will change your opinion quickly. Sewer rats and pet rats are two different things! My mom would not even touch them at first and in the end she loved them.I have 2 elderly rats right now.