Walter died monday morning as I was walking out the door to bring him to be euthanized. He stopped eating on thursday and went progressively downhill all weekend. It was truly awful to watch him go like that. He was such a happy ferret. He was deaf and came to me at 2 years old. He had never been with another ferret, but was curious and used to try and clean the others' ears. He wouldn't understand their responses and would run away but he'd always come back and try again. Mighty Mouse taught him how to be a ferret and how to play 'jeans'. Slowly but surely he became one of the gang and would actively seek out the others to play or to sleep with. He was the most gentle ferret you'd ever have. I never did understand the posts about deaf ferrets being more aggressive. Once, I was doing something to him that he obviously didn't like but instead of nipping me he simply placed his teeth around my finger - didn't even press down. I recall looking down and wondering what he was doing and why he just didn't bite me hehe. Though, watching him "kill" this stuffed turtle (one of his favorite games) you'd be frightened (joke). Just totally and completely loving and gentle with humans. He will be missed so deeply. Both he and Whitey brought such a happy carefree joy to the house. Mighty Mouse is truly lost without them (me too). It's just not the same. I just wanted to let everyone know. Thanks to all who emailed me with kind words, thoughts and suggestions. Michaela Maurice, Bugsy and Mighty Mouse (missing and mourning for Whitey, Walter and Spikey) College of Veterinary Medicine Ohio State University Class of 2002 [Posted in FML issue 2954]