I can fully understand the sad hurt feeling that people experience when
they lose a beloved fuzzy.  They grab on to your heart so quickly and
tear a piece of it with them when they leave.  Please though look at this
scenario.
 
You have met someone that loves you.  They take you into their home and
make it yours.  Then one day they don't come to let you out of your room.
You are so disappointed and just lay and stare at the door waiting till
your best friend comes to play.  This goes on for days.  Now you do not
have any food or water and don't feel so well.  Finally this wonderful
person opens the door and gives you a drink and a bowl of food.  You are
so hungry but still just want to be cuddled.  Your best friend says
"sorry, I don't have time for you any more".
 
You friend comes back in a few more days and puts you into a box.  You
are hoping they give you a little drink before the trip, because you
didn't know you had to ration the last one.
 
When the box is opened you are in a strange place with a lot of very
strange smells and new people.  You are very afraid, because all you have
ever known is your best friend.  Wait, your friend is leaving you.  You
are all alone in this strange place.  These people seem nice enough they
put you into a little cage that is clean and they talk nice to you, but
they are not your best friend.  Again you wait and stare at the door
waiting for your friend.
 
Weeks, maybe months go by and you have gotten kind of used to being here,
but still need your best friend.  One day a very nice person takes you
out of your little cage and puts you in another box.  This time you got a
drink first and a little food for the trip.  This is better but you are
very afraid again.  They have put you in your new house, with new toys and
maybe a brother or sister to play with.  There is lots of attention and
loving again.  This must be heaven.  Someone loves you again and gives
you the best life anyone could ask for.  When you are very old or very
sick you know you will be able to start your journey to the rainbow bridge
in loving arms.
 
This is the best case scenario in a dumped ferrets life.  Many, many cases
are much sadder.  Even this case is heart wrenching.
 
Please don't deny a little fuzzy their place in your heaven because it
hurts you to say good bye.  It hurts them even more if you aren't there.
 
Pat and my little band of Merry Makers
[Posted in FML issue 3779]