Hi Kristine (I'm ccing this to the FML as well)
 
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that "Frankie" a
foster with the Alberta Ferret Society and a Secret Santa Recipient on
your Giving Tree had to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge on Monday November
5th.  Frankie, along with his cagemate Misty, was 7 years old when he was
surrendered to us.  He was fighting several medical challenges and because
of his age and physical condition at the time of arrival we were taking it
slow and treating on a priority basis so as not to over stress him with
too much testing and treatment all at once.  He was doing so well and
three weeks after arriving and making it through dental surgery, blood
testing, x-rays, treatment for infection, medicated baths and his first
lupron injection our vet felt he was finally strong enough to get a
distemper vaccination.  We don't know if it was a reaction to the vaccine
or something else but two days after his vaccination Frankie developed a
raging case of diarrhea and stopped eating totally.  Nothing we, or the
vets, did seemed to help and he lost almost half of his body weight (which
wasn't much to begin with) in just over a week.  We finally, at our vets
recommendation, made the decision to let him go.
 
For those who choose to be Frankie's Secret Santa thank you but sadly he
will not be able to enjoy your gifts now.  Please either choose another
deserving shelter ferret or if you still wish to send a small gift we will
pass them on to Frankie's cagemate and lifelong companion Misty.  Perhaps
it will be of some comfort to her.
 
Barbara Gustafson
Alberta Ferret Society
President
[log in to unmask]
http://www.albertaferretsociety.com
[Posted in FML issue 3595]