>...After they put him to sleep, we brought him home for the 2 others
>to say goodbye.  It was the hardest thing we have ever done.  Now the
>oldest of the three has cage rage again and doesn't really want to come
>out and play.  It is almost like he is waiting for us to put Joe back in
>the cage.  Beeker(the oldest one) hasn't acted like this since he was
>very little.  Does anyon ehav eany suggestions that might help us.  We
>have never lost a pet like this before and we are not sure how to make
>it easier on Beeker.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe.  I cant really suggest anything other
than time, but I can share our experience.
 
In January of 2002, we had a sudden loss of one of our 4 (at the time)
ferrets.  She got into the back of our stove and was electrocuted before
we could get her out.
 
I think the best we did was to let each of the living ferrets sniff her
and say their own goodbyes.  So I think that was an excellent move on
your part.  I think animals need a way to say goodbye, just as much as
humans do.
 
We did notice some depression and behavior changes (a little more
aggression in one of them) for awhile, but I think it's a natural
response and something that really, only time can help.  Just like
humans go through various stages of grief (denial, anger, depression
and acceptance), I think they have to too, especially if they were very
bonded.
 
All I can suggest is to let time pass, while giving them extra love
and attention.  Be understanding if they start showing some differnet
behaviors (nipping or refusing to use the litterbox).  I really think
that in time, they will be okay.
 
Our fuzzies have a webpage @ www.geocities.com/abbyshammock7 There is a
memorial page for our Ally, complete with several links on pet loss and a
memorial site where you can add a story about Joe if you like.  Check it
out if you want.
 
Also, take care of you (the humans) too and know that you gave Joe a
happy life and he's in a better place now--probably romping around with
our Ally.
 
~Becky and Heather and the Magnificent 7
[Posted in FML issue 4101]