I took Meep to our vet yesterday and he found a large mass in Meep's
abdomen.  He recommended that I take Meep to Dr. Miquel for surgery as
soon as possible, so we made the trip up this morning.  We have been
force feeding Meep through the weekend, and he was responding fairly
well - a little more energy and wanting his raisin ration!  I stayed
while Dr. Miquel did the surgery, but instead of a tumor which could be
removed he found a lympho(sarcoma?) that was quite large - about the size
of a pecan shell and that had integrated itself into several areas of
Meep's intestines.  He felt that there was nothing that could be done to
cure Meep and we made the decision to let Meep pass without waking.  It
is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and the tears are
streaming just writing this note.
 
Meep was our first ratty baby and was so sweet and such a people ferret -
always greeted people when they came to the door.  He had definite ideas
about where my husband's socks belonged and his special spot where he
wanted his raisin and another where he wanted his Ferretone.  I've brought
him home with me to be buried on the mountain lot where we will be
building next summer.  Daisy sniffed him for quite a long while, and came
back several times as if to be sure he was really gone, then promptly
nipped my ankle!  Thanks so much to everyone who wrote to me about force
feeding - I appreciate your help so much and I will try an write personal
thank-yous when I feel I can.  Sandee - watch out for my sweet boy, we
will miss him so.
 
Karla and Daisy
[Posted in FML issue 3608]