It is with much sadness that I write my last post to the FML. My beautiful little girl Guida, also known as Little Rat, Ratty, Rat-monster, Stinky has passed away. She would have been 8 in September. I went to say goodbye to her before leaving to go to the store, and I found her in her "nest" basket, sleeping peacefully. I am completely shocked, as there were no warning signs that she was nearing death. She bounced back from adrenal surgery 3 months ago with no problems, tested negative for insulinoma, and at her last blood panel--done 2 weeks ago today--everything came back perfect. She was eating fine and drinking just this morning. And now she is gone. Guida was, and will be, my one and only ferret. I saw my first ferret when I was 9 years old, and wanted one ever since. I got Guida from a pet store when I was 23, and she was my faithful companion ever since. She moved with me 7 times, went to grad school with me, outlasted my boyfriend, and been the most loving, sweet pet imaginable. I have never laughed so hard as when I would find her stashes of tampons, lipstick, and the keys I thought I had lost. I was a learn-as-you-go ferret mom, and I know I made mistakes along the way...but she seemed to forgive me. She was the best. My only consolation is that I know she did not suffer. She just curled up to take a nap in her favorite spot, and did not wake up. No difficult treatment decisions to make, no pain, no suffering. I am hoping that she was just old and that it was her time to go. This is what I always wanted for her--I just wish I could have had more time with her. :( Thank you all for your support, kindness and advice over the years. You were the ones who referred me to Dr. Weiss when I moved up here, who helped me with resources when I had to take her to Pennsylvania for a month last year, when I debated surgery for her...whenever I needed you. I won't be getting another ferret--she was a joy and a delight but I can't cope with the pain and stress. Thank you again and please give your furkids an extra hug today--as my case shows, you never know when you will lose them. --Ann & Ratty...now with the angels [Posted in FML issue 3065]