I lost 8yr old Athena on Saturday. She was the sweetest, prettiest
sable and had spent that last 5-6 years with me. I have several
oldsters in that age range. They are fine today, but we never know
what tomorrow brings till it is here. sigh.

Spot is an old man, 8 or 9 yrs old. He's been with me since 2006 and
was 3-4 yrs old at that time. He's adrenal and insulinomic. He's had
melatonin and deslorelin, neither is working for him now. His body has
stopped absorbing nutrients and is breaking itself down, he no longer
has muscles to help him walk so he crawls. He eats recipe well and a
few pieces of kibble now and again. He's alert and not in pain that we
can tell. His eyes still shine.

This morning we took a ride to our vet to see if it was time. A very
difficult decision with Spot because his will is still there, he knows
when he has to go to the bathroom and he squirms around to go because
he no longer can get to the litter boxes or potty papers/pads, and then
moves away. I needed our vets input on the physical side - I don't want
him sufferering. I agonized for an hour with this decision. You see,
one time long ago, because of a medical condition a little one in my
care was euthanized and she was not ready to go mentally. That has
haunted me since and will forever. I can't make that mistake again. Our
vet is honest with us, I make the decision but he gives me the facts
on what is going on and what to expect. I can't forgive myself for
SharpTooth's early demise (she had colon tumors), even with the best
intent to keep her from further suffering, and I don't want to make
that mistake with any other.

It's a lot of work with this little oldster Spot but he isn't ready
yet, which he showed me by nipping my finger at the clinic, so we
came back home and will take it one day at a time. There's a lot of
cleaning, both him and the laundry since he can't get to bathroom
areas, he has to be hand fed several times a day, straightened when he
lays too long in a contorted position, and cuddled for the few minutes
he'll let me, but until his mind has had enough, or pain is an issue,
I'll tend to him with loving care daily.

In the meantime my heart is being shredded because of all these little
ones go through and how little some people care.

Hug your little ones, give them plenty of out of cage time, good food
and treats, and cherish each day you have with them. And, please
educate others on ferrets and their care so that other little ones
will have the opportunity of a good loving life too.

tle
www.ferretfamilyservices.org

[Posted in FML 7405]