I’m not sure how it happened. The mice live in a fortress that we keep in a spare bedroom upstairs or on the island in the kitchen for kids to take a peak.
They’ve been very happy. As I cleaned The Fortress this past weekend I found myself wondering how long the mice would actually live. We’ve been taking good care of them if I do say so myself and I thought maybe they’d last a whole year or longer. After Black Eye’s neuter he has been enjoying his life with his wife and daughter once again and they get plenty of exercise and fresh food.
That is…
until last night.
I need to clarify that it is imperative I keep an eye on The Fortress. Kainoa has opened the cage before and I have saved those mice from toddler terrorism in the past. Rudy loves to watch the mice scurry around and we have two cats. Enough said. This is a lovely home for them, but clearly it is not without it’s dangers.
We found The Fortress tipped over last night. I don’t know who did it, but that’s beside the point.
The mice….are no longer with us.
Maile and Laina found them laying on the floor of the room and I’m still unclear as to exactly what happened. The scene was not a gruesome one, but sad nevertheless. The girls were upset. Maile started talking about how she was going to write all about the tragedy in her journal at school, Laina cried about the bad dreams she said she was going to have, and Kainoa just repeated everything I said, “ohhhh nooo…I sooo sawee…I sooo saweee.”
And naturally I started crying too, because that’s what grown women are supposed to do when they have three distraught children….just crumble to the floor along with them. I told Pat I was sad because I was thinking about how panicked the mice must have felt getting dumped out of their home, but he seemed a little more concerned about how our kids are probably scarred for life.
They’re totally going to remember this.
I want to punch myself in the face for not being more aware of what was going on upstairs yesterday.
But that would hurt.
And I don’t care what any of you say, my girls are going to the pet store to pick out some new mice. I refuse to allow the Mouse-Tastrophe to be their last interaction with animals they so enjoy.
In other news…I found my cat!
Doesn’t she look happy!?! (Or maybe guilty).
Eternally Distracted says
…and I thought my house was crazy – all I’ve got is a gay cockatoo!!
Karen & Gerard Zemek says
Mice with a two cats in the house and you really thought they might live a year? It’ always sad losing any pet, even mice, but since I never had mice, just cats, birds and a dog, I must congratulate you cat(s) on their expert stealth hunting. However, I find it odd they didn’t bring them to you so really there is no evidence that your cat did this. Maybe the dog accidentally knocked the fortress over? It is a puppy, right?
Jules says
I was going to say…. AND the cat found the mice. ;) But I love the pic of the dog by the cage. TOO cute! Sorry the kiddos were upset. :(
kisatrtle says
Too bad you didn’t have a hidden camera in that room. I’m all for getting them new mice. Can’t wait to see what they pick out.
Mom in High Heels says
Poor babies! The kids and the mice. I totally understand when you say you thought how the mice must have been terrified of being dumped out of their home. I always think my dogs must get scared when something weird happens in our lives. They don’t understand and can’t tell us what the problem is. Kids are pretty resilient. While they may be upset for a long time, I don’t think you’re going to have to pay for extensive therapy. I look forward to seeing their new mice.
Karin Katherine says
I really think it was the dog. They probably got pawed to death. I think it would look a lot more gory if the cats were involved.
You go with your new mice buying. We have reptiles over here. A tortoise, Leopard Geckos and a Bearded Dragon. I’m holding off on the dog purchase for as long as possible. I’m trying to get another kid. Imagine that. Four kids and I’m not done…too bad for me my husband says he is….or maybe too bad for him, I’m not? We’ll see who “wins”
Justine says
Oh noooooooooooooooo! They can’t be gone! After all those damn mice put you through they couldn’t put up more of a fight? Oh. This is a sad day.
Justine :o )
Via says
This makes me sad for mice for the first time in my life :(
kiki says
I’m with Via. I’m not a big fan of mice, paralyzing fear actually, but feel sorry for them and the kiddos. good luck at the pet shop and i hope you get 2 males or 2 females this time around. glad your kitty is back, too. take care, MK.
Jennifer @ The Toy Box Years says
Awwww….that makes me so sad this morning. But I’m with you — I’d go buy new mice in a heartbeat!
(LOVE that picture with the dog too!)
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
Oh, those poor little mice. I would totally run out and get more too. I hope your kiddos (and you) recover soon!
Foursons says
Oh no…I so sawee. Too cute that Kainoa is.
Katherine says
Well, I’m glad you found your cat. At least your kids still get sad. After fish #30 died my son was like, “Fish are stupid. All they do is die.”
angie says
Where was your cat? In your laundry room under a pile of clothes like your other lost item?
You definitely have to buy new mice. For one, you might get one boy and one girl, and then think of all the additions to your house you’ll have. And two, you cannot let that fortress go to waste. I’ll bet it cost 30 X’s the cost of the mice, right? :)
Marcy from The Glamorous Life Association says
I am so sorry. And I can 110% relate to thinking about the little guys (mice) feelings of being scared to be tipped over.
Our hamster died this week. He was 2 and a half years old. That is like 120 in human years. And still ICRIED. I loved that little heartbeat.
I get it. DOn’t worry. I get it.
And that cat? Awesome cute.
Erin Im Gonna Kill Him says
When God opens one door (to a cat), he closes another (to mice). Or something like that.
I like to cry with my kids, too. I think it’s humanizing – I can’t have them always thinking I’m perfect and without my faults. Because I’m sure they do…
Gail says
I say that cat looks guilty…but Karin Katherine is probably right, my Golden thought baby bunnies were squeaky toys. Couldn’t tell anything had happened to them, but they were lifeless, nonetheless. Have fun picking out new mice!
Megan (Best of Fates) says
Those poor, poor mice! But at least they had 3 children who loved them while they were alive, and a lovely little two story.
Mary @ Holy Mackerel says
Oh dear. So sorry to hear about the mousies. Not good, not good at all. I hope it was quick and painless.
We have 2 guinea pigs and a big dog, and I’ve often wondered if the pigs would survive since we built them a huge, open-topped cage that the dog could access if he wanted to.
Five years later, and nothing has happened. Of course, we watched very closely for the first year or so. THe worst thing that happens is that doggy goes over to the cage and kisses the pigs. They make out through the wire. Very cute, and somewhat porn-like, if you like that kind of thing. :o)
Raine says
Oh, don’t beat yourself up over it!! Things happen, animals do not live forever, especially little rodents.
I am sorry for your loss :(
Lourie says
Oh dear! I am so sorry. I had a parakeet when I was about 10 or 11. He was kind of retarded. But I loved him anyway. One day, I heard a loud noise from my room, me, my mom and my sister I think went running in to see what had happened. A rather freaked out and guilty looking cat came tearing out. Charlie was dead on the floor of the cage. Yeah, I do remember it. I don’t think I am scarred tho. I am also not saying that your cat (beautiful cat btw) is guilty of anything. But the kids will be okay. And I think new pets is a good thing. I think mice live 2 to 5 years. Just don’t buy any boys this time. ;)
Shannon King says
So sawee….poor little wee ones I hope they are not too scarred..have fun picking out some new little mice for the kiddos to love on that will definitely help their grief….the pic with the puppy and the cage is priceless and congrats on finding your kitty!
Mrs. D says
It sounds like Kainoa might know something if he’s sowee. LOL. AS much as I loathe rodents, I am sorry for the sadness their passing has caused your family. The pic of Rudy watching them is ADORABLE too.
Emmy says
Hmm the mystery. Maybe it was a cat/dog conspiracy and they worked together. One did the tipping the other the chasing and killing.
Jen says
Aw, I am so sorry but you are doing the right thing. Getting new mice and getting right back on that horse er mouse is a great way to move on.
Alexandra says
You did the absolute right thing. Shared tears. What could feel better to a little one than his mama crying with them.
Good job.
Anne says
I’m sorry about the mice, but I really can’t think of anything other than how much I want to snuggle Rudy. I luff him.
Sam_I_Am says
Maybe you should get a guinia pig or a hedgehog or something with a built in defense! Although, I’m not sure of the guinia pigs defense, except for the noise.
Lori says
poor little mousies! just keep telling yourself that they are in a better place now. just don’t tell the new ones about the fate of the last ones! LOL
and thank goodness it wasn’t like a gruesome little mousie crime scene…
erica says
The only thing cats are good for is chasing mice.
That being said, I think your kids learned a valuable lesson in wild life.
Jessica says
Seriously? I would have been crying for the same thing. I’ve been a big hunter all my life. I grew up doing it and we’ve hunted deer as along as I can remember – for food. Now, when I go hunting, I can’t help but picture their little deer family and how everyone’s going to cry when their daddy gets shot by someone who was just HUNGRY!
It hasn’t stopped me from shooting a deer though. We still use them. And, we’re into conservation – if you aren’t going to make sausage, don’t shoot it. In other words, if you aren’t going to eat ’em, don’t make his entire deer family want to go jump off the nearest cliff.
stefanie says
we had hamsters with cats and a giant german shepherd when i was a kid. actually the first time i did one of your workshop prompts i wrote about the death of one of my hamsters! http://captainstefanie.blogspot.com/2009/11/writers-workshop-trial.html
BelovedAimee says
awww poor wittle mices. glad you found your cat tho.
Scargosun says
Maybe they had a lovely time running around out of the fortress for awhile instead of a panicked time. :) I am sorry for your loss tho. :(
Weekend Cowgirl says
Your mice would actually be safe at my house. My cat is scared of tiny little bugs! He would probably be scared of mice. Not a mouser for sure! Good luck with next set!
Mom Taxi Julie says
Oh no!!! I’m so sad :( Make sure you get the right “eyes” this time ;o)
Lauren Cunningham says
I am currently PreMed with a focus on veterinary medicine and while I do not have kids I have to say that I understand your feelings. Your husband is
correct to be concerned with your children, however I don’t think that your concern for the mice showed that you had a lack of concern for
your children. :) I’m sorry that happened and I am glad you guys found a new buddy… at least one that can run really fast if things are
getting ready to fall on it. I’m sorry and congrats…
Jenners says
I’m sorry to hear this .. but I have to say the case against the dog looks pretty strong. And the cat looks guilty as hell too.
Ibo says
You KNOW you got my prayers, hileang and protecting light coming your mom and your way! Wishing your dear mother a successful procedure and a speedy recovery :)
stephanie says
you are an awesome mom!
and not just because you care that your kids are so upset about their pets.
but more so because you let them have mice in the first place! i get so creeped out.
you impress me.
Nolie says
Aww I love the picture of Rudy hanging out watching the mice. Sorry to hear about the mice. I too would probably be wondering about their last moments AND how my children will move on. It’s just the mom in me. Mind you I hate mice but hey they were pets after all. Glad to hear you found kitty but I vote he looks guilty. He is a cat so guilty by association in my books.
Lolli says
Oh, sad. Your house is a never-ending supplier of crazy animal stories!
Jennifer says
That is a lot of animals to take care of.
Nicole @ Modern Style Mama says
That is exactly what having mice in my house would be like! Well, thats if mice were actually allowed to step foot into my house. Bless you having making the effort and looking to try again. We went to the pet store last week to look at fish. We walked by the mice and I just couldnt imagine having them. My luck one would end up in my bed. AHHH!!! Apparently your post has made me realize I might have a fear of mice. Thanks Mama Kat! I can only imagine what my dreams will be like tonight!!!
Jenn Calling Home says
We’ve had several pet deaths over the years, some more painful and memorable than others; and yes, we will never forget. But that didn’t stop us from adopting our current kitties. So far so good!
MarytheKay says
Oh, I was just about to comment that I LOVED the picture of Rudy looking longingly at the mice…and then I read about the tragedy… That’s just awful! Sooo sorry… I would have crumpled on the floor, too! Nothing breaks my heart faster than seeing my children with broken hearts. (I am sure the teenage years are going to kill me!)
Happy mouse shopping! :-)
Erin says
Oh NO!!! Those poor little mice….oh yeah and the kids too! =)
And I’m glad you are getting more! And I am stupid happy that you found your kittie!!!!