At about 6:10pm today, Caruso was helped over the Rainbow Bridge.  His
last year was not always a happy one.  Despite 2 surgeries for adrenal and
insulinoma, he never grew his fur back and never was weaned off of pred.
Just last month he developed an ulcerated cornea.  And finally, he
developed cardiomyopathy on top of everything else, and he was not strong
enough to fight that battle too.
 
Caruso was a gentle friendly ferret.  Friendly to people at least--twice it
took me 3 months to get him to accept another ferret into the family.  He
and Buttons became fast friends and playmates.  Cookie on the other hand
was a different matter.  Oh he would tolerate her as a cozy warm bedmate,
but every now and then, when they were out playing, he would get an evil
look in his eyes and chase her under the bookcase.  She would poof in his
face and screech a bit, and then all would be quiet for a time.
 
But Caruso would never hurt a 2-legger.  He loved to hand wrestle, and if
he accidently got too rough, all you had to do was say "Ouch!" and he
eagerly lick the injured spot apologetically.  He loved to play on the
waterbed, bouncing enthusiatically as it waved gently beneath him.  Then
with a "Woof" he would leap to the floor and dance to be put back on the
bed.  Tunneling under its covers in search of other ferrets was great fun
too.  Or following the sound of fingers scratching on top of the comforter,
then rolling on his back to kick at the hand tickling from above.
 
Caruso was not a fan of the big outdoors; it would make him cringe and run
for the nearest cover.  But he always wanted to slip out an open door.  One
time he managed to get out unseen, and spent a chilly January day in the
garage.  He was smart enough not to leave even though the garage door was
open for a least a couple hours, and he found himself some drinking water
by punching holes in a plastic gallon jug of water.
 
Caruso will join his sister and best playmate Belle waiting for him over
the Bridge.  We will miss his sweet gentleness and good humor.
 
"Sail on silver boy
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine."
 
Linda Iroff
Oberlin OH
[Posted in FML issue 3307]