Let's get the sad stuff out of the way real quick - I have lost three
fosters that came to my home fairly quickly.  Some may remember the store
of Cupcake and Mira - they were 6 and 7.  Lost Cupcake within 36 hours and
Mira 6 weeks later on Dr. Weiss' operating table.  BUT, I would not have
traded that little time with them for anything.  Cupcake was near death
when she arrived, but for a few hours, she was up and about outside in the
sun with us, relishing in the attention she was receiving, slept curled up
under my chin and when the seizures would not stop, she had someone to hold
her when she crossed the bridge, she had someone to cry for her and someone
to wait for.  My 6 weeks with Mira were fantastic, her loss was devastating
because she was so full of life, but again, she had 6 weeks to make up for
all the terrible time.  We also lost Sarah after about 3 months, she was
about 7 also, had insulinoma and bilateral adrenal.  She had a home with
lots of friends and attention and became very loving, following me around
and sitting on my foot until I gave her more chicken gravy!!
 
My other oldsters stories are much happier.  My Moe who came to live with
us this past January is closing in on 9 and the most lovable thing in the
world!!  He does not play much anymore, but is always up for a treat and
still climbs up into your lap for attention and eventually a very long
nap.  He may not be around for a long time, but he has been the single
most rewarding ferret experience I've had!!  He is so full of love and
appreciation for what you do for him.  If everyone could meet a Moe, all
of us would have a special spot in our home for an old guy or two!!!
 
The next oldster in our home is Jack, who about 6, but still thinks he is
a 12 week old kit!!  He is by far the 'worst' ferret I've ever met!  He
gets into everything, attacks you, no trash can is safe from him!  He had
surgery in May for insulinoma and his pancreas should precancer cells of
the type that will slough off and manifest in the bone marrow and lymph
nodes.  But so far, he is great!  I was just bragging the other night how
he has picked up so much weight again and has another incredible winter
coat.  He is a silver mitt blaze and is by far the most striking ferret to
come into my home!  Yes, that is mommy boasting.... But, Jack is a great
example of how 'normal' an old guy can be.  He outlasts the 2 year olds
during playtime, takes the shortest naps and gets into the most trouble!!
He is my special little fugitive, he was sentenced to death for being
vicious (he is deaf) and I kinda sprung him from a humane society type
shelter well over two years ago.  Not vicious at all, just a problem
child!!!!!
 
We also have Barney living with us who is close to 6.  He came home with
Moe.  Great big lovable guy, very active.  Has become the big brother and
favorite playmate for Pooh, new baby that came home from KiSta.  Funny to
see such a large ferret being attacked by this tiny little 10 week ball
of fur!!  But Barney is so gentle, he is the perfect companion for Pooh.
 
Anyway, these are just some of my experiences with older ferrets.
Guaranteed as long as I am drawing breath, there will be old ferrets in
my home!!!  If you have never experienced the joy, you have no clue what
you are missing!!
 
Hugs to everyone,
Jen and Gang
[Posted in FML issue 3226]