I drew this because one of my rats died. It's him, resembling a happy fat putto. Because that's just how he was.

I have had rats for many years, ten, I guess. Generations of rats have gone through my hands and I was more or less used to lose them sooner, not later because they don't get that old, unfortunately. But with Jörmi it was still a shock because I never lost a rat suddenly by apoplexia. I found him in his cage in the morning, lying on his side, still breathing, but gone. He has been fine the day before, there was no sign of an illness.

When I put him to sleep, I pretty much felt like drawing this - not only for him, though, but for all my rats lost and gone, present and future.

Goodbye my lovely little freinds.

Copic Markers, Gel Pen and some Gouache on Bristol paper.