Hi,
 
I just wanted to thank everybody who helped us out the last couple weeks in
our quest for information about juvenile lymphoma for our buddy Ludwig.
 
Unfortunately, he gave up his fight on Sunday afternoon.  He died with me &
Todd holding him, comforting him, and loving him.  We miss him terribly.  So
does his brother Rupert.  None of his cagemates chase him the way he Ludwig
did.
 
For those of you who never got to meet him - he was a big, strong albino hob
with an angel's face.  We bought him on June 1rst from a private breeder.
I'd never really had the oportunity to pick out a ferret before - most of
ours are very loveable hand-me-downs (that I wouldn't trade for the world).
I've been begging for a black sable for years, and Todd finally gave in.  I
picked out a handsome little dark bugger, Rupert.
 
There were a few albinos in the litter, too.  I didn't want another albino -
I've got 5 of them.  But there was something about this one - he wouldn't
leave us alone.  All the other kits were off and about getting into things.
This little albino just wanted attention.  He practically threw himself at
us & forced us to play with him (really - if you'd seen his antics you'd
know we didn't have a choice!).  Just before the check was written, I went
over & put Ludwig in the carrier, and we went home with 2.
 
He was an absolute joy.
 
I was home sick the week before thanksgiving when I noticed he wasn't using
his back legs.  My heart stopped.  When I picked him up & felt his spleen,
it felt like time stopped.  We'd been battling this moster illness ever
since.
 
This is the second 9 month old we've lost in 4 months - Justin passed away
this summer from causes unknown (even after autopsy).
 
This holiday season, I will be wishing that nobody else gets to experience
this awful illness, and that ferrets everywhere will stay happy & healthy
for years to come.
 
Please go spoil your albinos for me.
Andi
 
Ludwig 3/2/97 - 12/14/97
 --
 -----------------------------------------------------------
                .          .
  Andi         (  \~~''~~/  )
    & Todd      {  _    _  }
      Lockhart  {//@\\//@\\}    Happiness is
                 \\\\\/////          a dancing ferret...
               ---\' <> '/---
                 / \'--'/ \
                    ''''
 ===========================================================
 Signature 1994, All rights reserved.
[Posted in FML issue 2157]