Echo, my nine and a half year old alpha ferret, is gone.  He left for the
rainbow bridge yesterday after fighting with lymphoma for six months.  He
was our first ferret, and always the one in charge.  He leaves less than
a week after we lost Lucy due to complications from adrenal surgery.  He
waited until both my sons came to say goodbye, then slipped away in my
oldest sons' arms.
 
Although I will miss him, and ached that he is gone, I send him away with
all the love and respect in the world.  He fought hard, and until Friday
gave us no indication that it was time to go.  I like to think he is at
the rainbow bridge telling Toby and Lucy "look, I am here now to look
after you and keep you in line.  The alpha has arrive,"
 
Goodbye my big man.
[Posted in FML issue 4418]