First I would like to thank those that commented about speen removal in
older ferrets.  We decided to have Myc's spleen removed after he slowed way
down and following a blood test and xray that suggested he might also have
some other problems - somewhat low blood sugar and a slightly enlarged
heart.  The vet and I both thought that surgery might give him a chance at
quality of life that he couldn't approach at the condition he was in.  I
was aware going into surgery that he might have too many problems to deal
with but took the chance for him knowing that it was either a continuing
ever more rapid decline, a fix that would give him another year or so, or a
quick painless death.  I'm very sad to say that surgery revealed that he
had multiple organ lymphosarcoma including his pancreas, adrenal gland and
lungs and the decision was made to not let him wake up.  Blood tests over
the years did not ever reveal indicators for lymphosarcoma.  I'm very sad
and miss him very much and for my sake I would have kept him around longer
but I really couldn't stand the thought of the end of his life being
miserable and painful when he had such a wonderful time otherwise.  I hope
that someone will be so kind to me if I find myself in a similar situation
at the end of my life.  He was never sick, had the run of the house and was
never excluded from being with us whenever he wanted.  He was my only
ferret and now my house feels empty.  Take care of him Skeeter, he's never
been much for other ferrets but make sure he gets his piece of banana every
morning and has a nice soft place to sleep and someone to cuddle with.  All
of the stuffed toys will belong to him where ever he goes!
 
In time I would like to make a home for another ferret.  Myc was a late
alter, a big boy, and I think that that is part of the reason he was so
healthy and lived so long.  I would like to find another male late alter
(or a male and female late alter pair) or a kit that I could alter once he
had attained his mature growth.  I'm partial to dark ferrets but really any
color but albino would be fine.
 
I really admire all of you out there take in all comers and have the
lifestyle that will allow a many ferret household - however that won't work
for me.  I believe that ferrets should not be caged - I've had three
ferrets over the course of 18 years, all have been free roam in my house,
all lived to be 8-9 years and didn't have any medical problems until the
end of their lives.  All were late alters, got lots of exercise, were never
cage bored or dependent on only me to let them be active and they didn't
experience the stress of sharing their territory with lots of other
ferrets.  Although ferrets clearly can adapt to living amongst many other
ferrets and seem to enjoy this very much as kits, I think that based upon
their wild cousin's lifestyle, adult ferrets actually prefer a more
solitary condition.  Mine were all very bonded to me, tolerated ferrets of
the opposite sex but hated same sex ferrets.  Mine would come and play
with me and my husband or just hang out but were also indepedent and had
interests and activities that were self choosen.  Anyway, more power to all
of you who take care of many ferrets but as for me - I'm looking for that
special guy who will keep me company for the next 8-10 years of my life.
 
Max - I live in New Jersey and if anyone has a lead on a ferret for me, let
me know.
[Posted in FML issue 2737]