RE-flection: Blackie

Blackie is dead, lying peacefully in the food tray.
Blackie was a gift to my sis 3 years ago. When she first joined the family, she was as white as snow (almost named Snowy). Unfortunately she changed from white to grey to dark brown! Hence we conveniently called her Blackie.
Blackie bit and nibbled at anything but she gave us joy. Seeing her running up and down the ladder and playing on the wheel, loosen up your tired muscles. For the past one year, she had kept my father busy after his retirement. My father took care of Blackie.
Now Blackie is gone. This is also my first time, witnessing how Blackie aged slowly, from an active little creature running up and down nibbling away to just a few to no rounds on the wheel. And finally staying practically whole day in the food tray. For the past few months, it has been a silent night, no scrabbling, tumbling and screeching of wheel.
We knew and we were waiting. I was watchful everyday even up to this morning. I saw her in the food tray, breathing slowly, most probably the last few breath.
The time was approximately 10.55pm on 29 Nov 06. Blackie spotted dead, lying peacefully in the food tray.

We suspect that Blackie belongs to winter white breed.