At about 6:10pm today, Caruso was helped over the Rainbow Bridge. His last year was not always a happy one. Despite 2 surgeries for adrenal and insulinoma, he never grew his fur back and never was weaned off of pred. Just last month he developed an ulcerated cornea. And finally, he developed cardiomyopathy on top of everything else, and he was not strong enough to fight that battle too. Caruso was a gentle friendly ferret. Friendly to people at least--twice it took me 3 months to get him to accept another ferret into the family. He and Buttons became fast friends and playmates. Cookie on the other hand was a different matter. Oh he would tolerate her as a cozy warm bedmate, but every now and then, when they were out playing, he would get an evil look in his eyes and chase her under the bookcase. She would poof in his face and screech a bit, and then all would be quiet for a time. But Caruso would never hurt a 2-legger. He loved to hand wrestle, and if he accidently got too rough, all you had to do was say "Ouch!" and he eagerly lick the injured spot apologetically. He loved to play on the waterbed, bouncing enthusiatically as it waved gently beneath him. Then with a "Woof" he would leap to the floor and dance to be put back on the bed. Tunneling under its covers in search of other ferrets was great fun too. Or following the sound of fingers scratching on top of the comforter, then rolling on his back to kick at the hand tickling from above. Caruso was not a fan of the big outdoors; it would make him cringe and run for the nearest cover. But he always wanted to slip out an open door. One time he managed to get out unseen, and spent a chilly January day in the garage. He was smart enough not to leave even though the garage door was open for a least a couple hours, and he found himself some drinking water by punching holes in a plastic gallon jug of water. Caruso will join his sister and best playmate Belle waiting for him over the Bridge. We will miss his sweet gentleness and good humor. "Sail on silver boy Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine." Linda Iroff Oberlin OH [Posted in FML issue 3307]