Guattari, 2003-2007 RIP, originally uploaded by blather.

This is Heather puckering up to kiss a rather bemused Guattari, a few weeks ago in Lahinch.

Unfortunately Guattari, an integral member of our household, passed away last night. A well-known international rat superstar, direct descendant of the Jamestown settlers, and recent consultant on international rodent relations and affairs to the Irish Department of the Environment, was taken from us unexpectedly. He died "with his boots on", so to speak. Only two nights ago, he was standing on his hind legs on my arm and grooming my hands and face.

In May, his brother, Deleuze, died after a short illness, just weeks before he was due to emigrate from New York to Ireland. Although missing his sibling, Guattari did board the Aer Lingus plane with his assistant, Heather, becoming possibly the first rat to fly the Atlantic West-East on a passenger aircraft. Always cutting a dashing figure in his linen suit and panama hat, Guattari could recently be spotted propping up the Shelbourne Bar, supping gin'n'tonics with various other members of the diplomatic corps. Always with an eye for the ladies, he leaves many broken hearts in embassies around the world, and two more in this house.

RIP