Andy had adrenal surgery this morning, both left and right were removed
(the right mainly debulked).  Andy showed very minor symptoms, fur loss on
his feets.  Jackie has adrenal, insulinoma, and lymphoma.  After talking
with Larry (our vet), we decided that he has good quality of life right
now and surgery may shorten what time he has left.  Jackie is 4-5 yrs old
and is a fat butterball, loosing fur but what he does have is long, soft
and luxurious - but mostly his back is going bald, and he still plays a
bit so we opted not to do surgery.  Sometimes surgery isn't the best option
and I was torn on this decision for Jackie.  Talking with Larry helped,
especially when we both came to the same conclusion.  Previously I had felt
like I was neglecting Jackie by not having the surgery performed.  I'll
keep him on his meds and love him for the time we have left together.
 
Bubba isn't medically related to the above.  He is, well, just Bubba.  If
you can picture what a Bubba ferret is, that is Bubba.  He is such a funny
ferret, sort of well Bubbaish. ;-)   He runs rampant through the house
jumping on all he encounters - chairs, ferrets, dogs, people, toys... He
is so funny when he gets going.  Sometimes he'll stand and look around like
he's trying to figure out what is going on.  He's a youngster, about 1 yr
old.  He makes me giggle and sometimes I really need to lighten up.
 
My condolences to all who have lost little ones.  Remember that each one
that leaves takes a tiny piece of their caretakers heart(s) so that they
will forever be together.  While death is very painful to those of us left
behind, sometimes life can be for those that we just can't let go.  There
is a fine line between trying to help and being selfish.  I was selfish in
asking Podo to stay with us when he needed to go.  The night before he died
I told him that if he needed to go, I would understand.  The next morning
he left.  Perhaps it was that act in itself that allowed me peace at his
passing.  I miss him, wish he were still here, but I know that he is no
longer in pain.  It seems we've had a run on difficult deaths, but I know
that there is a reason and some day that reason will become clear to me.
Soon I hope.
 
Hugs to all. tle
Troy Lynn Eckart
Ferret Family Services
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~sprite/ffs.html
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/
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[Posted in FML issue 2935]