>My parents won't let me get another ferret to replace Snuggles, but I can
>tell Cuddles is extremely lonely with no other ferrets around.  Are there
>any suggestions of how I can convince them, or what I can do to make her
>feel happier?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Adrianne,
First, I am sorry to hear about your recent loss.  I can tell you from
sharing a similar experience and some research that ferrets can bond to
their ferret companions to a great degree, perhaps even more than to their
human ones.  Even with a replacement buddy, your Cuddles may never be quite
the same.  However, dependent upon the "new" ferret, Cuddles mood may
improve markedly.  In fact, it can increase both the quality and span of her
life tremendously.  This is a *perfect* opportunity to go to a rescue
shelter and adopt a similarly aged ferret.  You see, ferrets are more smell
oriented than looks, so you need not worry too much about what color, but
more on Cuddles' own reaction to a prospective partner.  You never can
predict how two ferrets will behave upon introduction, and even some
"rougher" introductions can turn into close bedfellows.  But, occasionally,
it is *love* at first sight.  I am not talking about you, but Cuddles (after
all, most ferret folk experience this with *every* ferret!).
 
But this is why shelters are so great.  Providing your ferret has a clean
bill of health, most shelters have no problem allowing numerous
"introductions" to find a partner Cuddles warms up to.  This is one pretty
good way to help avoid the flip side of some pairings also; the never ending
battle!  And shelters often offer well-cared for and healthy ferrets
abandoned for various reasons(or excuses).
 
Why a ferret of the same age?  Well, while some could say a baby may perk
things up, with their boundless energy, a baby can actually drive Cuddles
into further withdrawal by just being too much for her.  It happens.  One
thing for certain: with a suitable companion, Cuddles can be a much
healthier and happier ferret, period.  Cuddles affect, and yours, if
depressed over the loss, can jeopardize her health and even shorten her life
considerably.
 
Adrianne, keep in mind time is an important factor here.  The longer you
wait, the deeper entrenched Cuddles' feelings of loss may become.  She may
become extremely lethargic as time passes, and she may even stop eating as
these cases have been reported, making it all the more challenging to bring
her out of it.
 
By promptly going to a rescue and adopting a new and suitable ferret
companion, you will be doing the community, Cuddles, and *yourself* a good
and great service and demonstrating a social and emotional conscience and
responsibility.  A formidable argument by any measure.  In the mean time,
spend a little "extra" time with Cuddles if you can, remembering to act
"happy" around her as pets often sense and even appear to draw upon their
owner's mood.  Bring in some new toys, treats, or tubes, or even just a
paper bag to crinkle keeping her active.
 
Finally, be prepared to listen and respect your parents' reasons or
rationale as this will help insure you will receive the same from them.
Adrianne, it is important that *everyone* concerned is comfortable with this
decision and it is your responsibility that you make the best for you and
Cuddles of whatever decision is reached.
 
best wishes,
until next time,
alphachi
 
PS.  Good luck to you and Cuddles.
[Posted in FML issue 2201]