Sven the Blue Rat

Sven the Blue Rat passed promptly and peacefully on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at his home in "East Mortington," IL.

Presumably born between October 1 and November 1, 2008 in Peoria and obtained from the PetSmart at Glen Hollow on Saturday, November 29, 2008. The lone blue rat in the store, Sven caught the eye of his "mother," Sparky, who has an affinity for all things the color blue. "He was the best $13 I ever spent..." Sparky was quoted as saying just after the burial ceremony, which took place this past Thursday afternoon.

Sven was an avid lover of cheese, potato oles, grapes, climbing, dancing, and sleeping. His favorite hobbies included redecorating his house, watching television with family members, and chewing on sticks. Sven also loved music; his favorite artists were Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Shinedown, and Eric Clapton. A gentle creature, he never intentionally bit or scratched a family member or friend. While rather cautious in nature (he was only loose in the house once and voluntarily returned to his home soon after getting away), Sven did venture outdoors from time to time for convertible rides around the Peoria-area.

But Sven will be remembered most for his ability to listen and his animated demeanor. "You just expected him to jump up and start talking!" Mama Sparky, Sven's "grandmother," said when asked about the experience of living with Sven. "He was a good little guy," Papa Sparky added. "Living with him broadened our horizons."

"Judge me for not what I am but who I am," was Sven's motto. A pioneer in the Rat-Acceptance movement, Sven won over many a visitor, including those from regions historically afflicted with illness spread by rats. Sven loved all visitors he met and was especially fond of his Aunts Ames and Cher, as well as his aunt Ally, whom he never had the pleasure of meeting in person. Sven many times mentioned the great time he had during the week this past summer he stayed with his Aunt Kat and Uncle Todd in Dunlap. While never a visitor, through pictures and stories he was infamous among the 3rd shift operators and management team at Big Yellow in East Peoria.

Sven will be greatly missed, but he will be remembered fondly and shall always be forever grateful for his companionship, support, love, and mad rat belly dancing skills.

Sven was buried in a non-denominational ceremony under a new tree at the home he shared with his family. He is survived by his family and a legion of friends and admirers. Per his request, his home and furnishing were donated to the science class at a local school. Donations to animal-based causes can be made in Sven's honor.