Dear Natalie,

I was so touched by your email, and by Alexandra's response that I
just wanted to add to her words of encouragement. I do not share your
disorder or "difference", but I can relate to intense levels of anxiety
at the responsibility for caring for ferrets (my husband and I
currently have 2). I have always been a cat owner, and currently also
have dogs, as well as working sometimes as a veterinary technician.
Somehow with the ferrets it has been different. They are so little,
for one thing, but also so curious and fearless that they have the
potential to get into a lot of trouble - fast. We have also had to
euthanize 2 very sick friends with cancer and that has left me pretty
gun-shy too. But I'm not trying to add to your anxiety! I had 2
thoughts that may be of help to you, after reading your email. First,
if it is possible for you, find a good ferret vet and get to know
him/her. I drive 45 miles each way to see a vet I thoroughly trust with
my ferrets. I also sense that she respects and understands the depth of
my attachment to them and so is patient with questions in the office or
on the phone, and was supportive during times of difficult decision
making. Of course, vets are very busy and have lots of other clients,
but knowing that person you can call or see is very helpful. Secondly,
and I dont know if this is appropriate or not, but you might consider
adopting a second ferret. We had our first boy as an only ferret and I
bonded with him intensely. Even so he eventually went into a depression
that only the adoption of a rambunctios girl ferret could bring him out
of. Also, it helps ease the guilt when I am overly busy or [never]
feeling like I am doing "enough" for them. And I find that ferrets can
bond intensely with each other AND with their humans, so it is not like
the other ferret would replace you in relationship with Petunia.

Thanks for writing, and let us know how it goes.

[Posted in FML 6590]