I am running out of ideas for new things to do with my Pumpkin, and
am hoping that some FMLers might have a novel idea of two on games
or activities that we might indulge in with the time we have left.
Let me explain:
 
Pumpkin was diagnosed with lymphoma back in July.  Given our poor
experience with chemo on our other ferret (it very nearly killed Zoie,
and she was on the Tuft's protocol); and given Pumpkin's already low
WBC and platelets, we opted for "enhanced" palliative treatment -- pred.,
essiac and pycnogenol.  She also gets some Buprenex from time to time to
make certain that she's not terribly uncomfortable.
 
Pumpkin has slowed significantly since her diagnosis.  She's gained
weight, and isn't too interested in trotting about the house anymore or
playing the games we used to play (tag, wrestling).  She used to be quite
active, but now she mostly just lies about -- UNLESS I take her outside,
and then she's good to go for 45 min.  to an hour, just trotting about
the yard.  It really perks her up.  I follow her like a shadow, but she
gets really stimulated by being outside.
 
But she seems bored with our yard now, so we've taken trips to the nearby
beach in the evenings.  This has revived her interest.  I figure these
outside jaunts not only perk up her mental attitude, but also help keep
any excess fluids from settling (she does get Lasix).  They're good
things.
 
It's nearly mid-September now, so going outside will eventually be too
chilly in the evenings when I get home.  So I'm going to have to think
of something else to do to keep up Pumpkin's interest.  I'd love to hear
about any ideas for activities or games to engage a ferret's interest.
I don't think we have too much time left, but I very much want that time
to be good time for her.
 
dooks to all,
John
[Posted in FML issue 5364]