CavyLove, I read your story a few days ago and have been thinking of it ever since.
It was not your fault that Ralphie died, and everyone else has told you so already. But you know what?
But here's my .02 for ya. At least for me, a big part of becoming an adult came when I stopped blaming myself for all the wrongs I commited as a child and teen, and realized that these things were either nobody's fault at all, or that they were a result of something or a lack of something the adult in charge at the time did or didn't do. I came to this realization in my early 20's and ever since have had a much more positive outlook about myself.
In yours and Ralphie's case, your parents should have communicated better with each other, and with you about the situation.
Its true, that no pets really are suitable for kids to be solely responsible for. In the case of real animal lover kids, they can be 100% responsible 99% of the time....but its the other 1% that really matters. The percent where maybe the parent doesn't actually actively do anything, but keeps a watchful eye, and guides the child in the right direction. You may have forgot about the spray, but why didn't your father make a 'no piggers' sign and help you post it on the outdoor pen as a reminder?
It is truly sad, what happened with Ralphie. But I do agree. It has helped to mould you into the caring young woman with empathy for animals that you are today
