I am a new/old member to the list (old- because I joined a few years back
for a few months but job and life changes intervened.  Mostly, I lurked.)
But I am happy to come back to a few of my favorite things.  Ferrets!
 
I have sixteen fuzzies (subject to change without notice... normally
higher), 6 self motivated ferret toys (aka cats) and 2 dogs.  Let just
say, my fuzzy-in-need-sucker light is easily activated.  To keep them
all in kibble & pay off the vet, I work as an analytical chemist.
 
I've read my first digest and I have a few insights on the issue of how
to deal with a dying ferret.  I've lost a number of ferrets, almost all
to illness.
 
I've found that keeping the sick ferret with others as much as possible
seems to keep them interested in life.  If they aren't up to a group, I
try to find one other to stay with them.  Typically, its the older,
maternal acting female that works best.  When I bring the group out to
play, I try to include the sick fuzzy as long as they aren't stressed.
When the sick one does pass away, whether they are with others or not, I
bring the body to the group and let them sniff and see for themselves.
After about five minutes, they all seem to understand I can't do
anything and I take the body away.
 
Any ferret that has acted as caretaker, I try to reintegrate them back
into the group within a few days.  Usually, they want a day alone and
are cranky even in the group play.
 
I've never had a problem with a grieving ferret and I think it is because
I let them "see" for themselves.
 
Nori & Weasel Dancing Wayside (a transfer point for the PFSN)
[Posted in FML issue 4032]