Please join with me in celebrating the life of Hobie, who at the age of 11
was today helped to cross over to the Rainbow Bridge.  I'm trying my best
not to be dragged down with grief but to instead remind myself that Hobie
reached an age which to many ferrets in unattainable.
 
Hobie's true age in unknown.  He came to live with me on April 1, 1989 and
for almost 3 years prior to that I cared for him every Saturday at the
Valley Zoo where I was a volunteer.  That is where I fell in love with him
and begged and pleaded for them to allow me to give him a life outside of a
3 x 3 cage.  I thank them everyday for saying yes.
 
Hobie was my introduction to the world of ferrets and since meeting him I've
come to love these joyful little animals.  With his help I learned what it
meant to be owned by a ferret.  I will admit I was totally unprepared for
the responsibility of caring for him.  But I learned in hurry!  I also
learned the hard way that not all vets know how to care for ferrets and as a
result Hobie ended up with some serious burns on one whole side of his body
from being placed on a heating pad following his neutering and descenting.
He carried the scars his entire life.  Soon after that I smartened up and
found a vet who was not only ferret-wise but also kind and who obviously
loved ferrets.
 
This wonderful little creature who captured my heart is gone now.  I held
him and talked to him as he took his final breath and then gently wrapped
him in his blankey.  A piece of me went with him.  Hobie I love you and will
never forget the joy and happiness you brought into my life.
 
Barb Gustafson (aka Boots)
Alberta Ferret Society
[Posted in FML issue 2046]