I do agree with most of what Diane said in her post with the exception
of never using the heart stick. This is the method my vet and I have
decided to use "IF" I bring them in to pass. They pass more quickly.

Yes, it is very important to tell your baby how much you love them, to
tell them about the Rainbow Bridge. But it also important to reasure
them that you are not mad or angry with them for being sick. These
little angels understand more than we humans give the credit for. The
need to hear from you that it is not their fault that you are hurting
because they are sick & have decided it's time to leave. I've been a
ferret rescue for over 11yrs and been owned by these angels and gifts
from God for 13yrs. Their wills are extreamly strong and have a
tendency to hang on for us when we are hurting. A very important
thing to do is to "give them permission" to leave us.

Some of you may remember my Jerry Springer ( my big DEW who was blind
and deaf.) who was diagnosed with cardiomyopothy at the age of 14yrs.
(He was a PV Ferret). He was a rescue I aquired from a friend who also
rescued when his oldster friends had passed leaving him to deal with
youngsters. He knew how much I adored and loved him and I honestly feel
he was hanging on just for me. I told him about the Rainbow Bridge,
the Bridge greeters, the kids I had loved that passed before him and
that they would be waiting for him. As soon as I told him how much I
loved him and told him I wouldn't be angry if he left me and gave him
permission to leave, he passed within 5 minutes while I held/cuddled
and kissed him. I'm a strong believer in letting my kids pass at home
as long as they are in no pain. They pass more easily and in more
comfort in familiar surroundings, without stress IMO. They will let
you know when it is their time to leave, you just have to listen and
hear them, not with your head, but with your HEART.

Debi Sadowski
Fuzzy Loving Ferret Rescue & Ferretry Established in 1998
www.freewebs.com/fuzzyloving

[Posted in FML 6529]