1997 ended with Rikki needing adrenal surgery.  The surgery was done on
January 15, 1998.  Rikki recovered and was back to her normal self, again.
But as time went on it became apparent that her other adrenal gland was
affected.
 
(something rare, I'm told) and on June 15, 1998, Rikki went back for the
surgery.
 
The second surgery was very hard on Rikki.  There was a great loss of blood
and she was sutured closed.  By Wednesday (June 17th) she was eating and
running around.
 
She was "fine" until the weekend when I realized that she wasn't herself and
didn't get up to play.  On Tuesday, June 23, we took her into the vet to
have her put on antibiotics and have her given fluids under the skin.  The
vet told us to expect the worst.  (he indicated that she was jaunticed -
liver problems, perhaps)  We arrived home at 9:05 am and I laid down with
her on my chest as I had done so many times when she was a baby and I loved
her until she slipped away from me at 10:40 am.
 
She was 3 1/2 years old.
 
We buried her in the backyard along the fence row and not far from her
"daddy's" garden.  I am placing some edible flowers on her grave today...
edible in case the many bunnies we have are hungry !  We will be planting a
flower there this summer.
 
Everything reminds me of Rikki - an empty pop can (she loved flat soda),
garbvage cans (never saw one she didn't tip over) taking a shower (she liked
to get into the wet bathtub..  she'd get stuck and need help to get out), my
cosmetic sponges (she stole them on a regular basis and stockpiled them in
her hidey hole), laying in bed or opening any drawer, (her favorite places
to sleep) .... I swear I will even miss her biting me on the leg in the
morning... =o) chomp, chomp She was my best girl - never missed the
litterbox, even when she was sick !  She leaves behind two older sisters,
Krista and Joon.  Krista got to see her before we buried her and she gave
her ear a good cleaning... I think they are both wondering where she has
gone.  At this time, I'd like to say a special thanks to Rikki's ferret
godmother, Margie S.
 
Margie very graciously gave us the money for Rikki's first surgery without
even knowing us.  We are paying her money back, but I can't tell you how
very fortunate I am that there are people like Margie in this world.  She
holds a special place in my heart , as well as Rikki's.
 
Please give your fuzzies an extra hug and make sure you appreciate each and
every day you have with each of them.  and a few words....
 
It won't rain all the time
The sky won't fall forever
And though the night seems long
Your tears won't fall forever
- It Can't Rain All the Time / Jane Siberry
 
Way over yonder is a place that I know
Where I can find shelter from hunger and cold
And the sweet tasting good life is easily found
Way over yonder - that's where I'm bound
- Way Over Yonder / Carole King
 
Did you know that before you came into my life
It was some kind of miracle that I survived
Some day we will both look back
And have to laugh,We lived through a lifetime
And the aftermath.
- This is the Time / Billy Joel
 
My heart still hangs heavy.... as it will forever.
Shelly
[Posted in FML issue 2351]