Today was the day I was to pick up Baby from surgery and care for her all day. Since she cannot have surgery, I took the princess and two of her cancer ridden brothers out for a fun day. All three sit pretty on my lap. The carrier with newspapers and towels is kept open next to me in case anyone wants to poop or not sit quietly. We ran errands, went grocery shopping (I have a large soft carrier that looks like a big purse) and went to 2 pet stores. Baby slept almost the entire time like a limp noodle. I put her in different ferret houses and cat houses, but she just curled up to sleep. The other two sniffed and poked their faces into everything. People held them, and just loved Baby. My delicate princess woke up for the compliments and snuggling, and licked everyone and sniffed their faces. The vets had kept telling me over the last few years that Wolf no longer bites them. I never let anyone touch him anymore since I could not control his biting tendency. But feeling that Wolf must have mellowed in his old age-- I let the manager of one of the pet stores hold my 4 pound silver mitt alpha ferret. Wolf got in a tasty bite. The manager skillfully opened Wolfs jaw, and I grabbed him and held him to my face. I swear he was smiling. Stinker. My shy Tiger got lots of hugs and attention. He knows he is not normal. He slinks off after breakfast to be alone. Baby does the same thing now. It was good to get these guys out for new smells and sights. Kind Vets I do not agree that my beloved companion should spend 2 or 3 days in a very busy vet office where no one is going to hold my sick one or sing to it or assure it that it is loved. They are probably lucky to look at it 4 times in an entire day. And I do not want my little one left all alone all night after a major surgery when I have the sick cage right next to my head by the bed. BUT the vets were Very kind today. The vet called twice while I was out today to see how Baby was doing. I thought that was going beyond the norm by a mile. You Softened the Blow I hope I thanked everyone that wrote. If I missed someone-please forgive me. I would never do so intentionally. I am sure I am a little foggy minded now-getting over the initial shock of reality The day Wolf went in for surgery, I was in a daze and almost decapitated a police man. I had no idea I was speeding, and was pulled over as I left the vets. The officer asked for my insurance card, and I reached for my wallet: taking my foot off the brake. I was so out of it- I had not put the car in park. The car-with the officer stuck half in my window--rolled and ran forward... Not one of my better days. :-) You are so like family to me. My actual family will not call or write or care when Baby dies. IT is just a rat like smelly thing to them. You have softened the blow so much. Do you know what I mean?? Thank you Lisette [Posted in FML issue 2922]