I would like to thank all the people who have been sending an
absolute *flood* of messages expressing sympathy and their
condolences on the loss of my ferret Antigone.  Your support has
helped me get through the worst part of this very difficult time.
 
Several people asked me how Minima is doing.  She is bouncy, healthy
and *fat* (although I can't really feel bad about that right now, since
Antigone was so thin, and it seems to be "winter weight" in Minima's
case).  She has been getting even more cuddling and playing with than
usual, since I no longer have to devote several hours per day just getting
subsistence levels of food into Antigone.  I don't know if Minima
misses her.  She hasn't gone around sniffing or looking for her, but
I really don't know what's going on in her head.  She has been a bit
naughty lately (she actually pooped *on* my bed - something neither
of them had *ever* done - twice!).  I showed her Antigone after the
vet put her down, just before I took her to my parents' house to be
buried, so maybe she understands.  She certainly was *very* aware
that Antigone was sick, and was extremely solicitous of her during
the last few days (she would always want to be with her, and lick
and groom her, almost desperately, as if she could make her better
by licking her enough - it was heartbreaking for me to watch).  So
perhaps she understands that at least her friend isn't in pain anymore.
I don't know how animals deal with the death of their companions
normally.  Anyone?
 
As for the recent discussion re what people do after their pets
pass away, I too could not bear the thought of burying Antigone
somewhere, then moving away (I move A LOT), so I was very glad
when my parents said that I could bury her in their garden.  They
too have been very supportive:  my father suggested that I bury her
under a flowering bush that they have, and my mother suggested planting
crocus bulbs there in the fall, which will bloom there next spring.
They were both with me when I buried her.
 
Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive and caring.
 
Victoria and Minima
 
[Posted in FML issue 0760]