It seems like just yesterday that Amanda was saving up to buy Kenny the Taj Mahal of rat cages–a tri-level palace filled with baskets, blankets, chew toys, and lots of treats.

Even more recently, we captured Kenny doing some late-night runs through the homemade cardboard maze, all in the name of science.

I confess that I was skeptical about the value of a rodent pet, but Kenny proved to be a very sociable companion for our daughter, a source of entertainment for visitors, and an intriguing photo subject for this blog.

We said goodbye to Kenny today. After watching his health deteriorate in recent weeks, we knew it was time. Amanda organized an informal burial ceremony, with friends and neighbors on hand to place flowers on his grave and offer fond remembrances, while Taps played softly on a nearby smartphone.

Kenny led a good life. He ate well and often, lived in luxurious accommodations with a cornucopia of playthings, and attained near-celebrity status on social media. More important, he was loved by a girl named Amanda, he returned that affection, and he will be missed.