It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that Lace, my 11 year old gal, had to be euthanized Friday morning. Lace had been diagnosed with fibrosarcoma of the upper palate back in early February. I tried what surgical options were available to me, as well as some herbal remedies as well. Unfortunately, it all caught up with her this morning when she appeared dizzy. I rushed her to the vet where I was told that her cancer had probably invaded her inner ear and was well on its way to her brain... there was no other option, and euthanizing her was the kindest thing I could do for her now. I will miss her terribly so... she was the smartest ferret I have ever come across. She had an ability to communicate all of her needs to you to well, and she also seemed to understand what I had to say to her too. She was tiny but feisty for an old gal and even at 11, could defend herself against any of the other ferrets who were much younger and a whole lot bigger. She was the truest form of life and of love and losing her is the worst thing I have had to deal with yet. I don't know how I am going to break it to hubby, who had to go out of town again. He didn't want to leave her, but he knew he had to. I dread the conversation we will have to have but I also know that he will want to know, and that it is so very important for us to share her life and her death together, even if it means that we are so far apart from one another. Lace was such a special little lady... she love to sleep with us at night along with her buddy Bella, whom we lost just a short time ago. The two of them were inseparable, and I worried for Lace when we lost Bella. But Lace seemed to understand and found us as Bella's replacement. I will always remember the way she tilted her head to one side to let us know she was listening, and that she was understanding what we were saying. I will always remember that she was gentle and kind, and so very loving. She was easy going and loved to be held and cuddled. One of my fondest memories of her will be how she defended her piece of licorice from all the other ferrets. Her squeaks and squeals were hilarious... I didn't know that ferrets could make so many different sounds as she could. I am so glad I have her on video... I want to thank everyone who tried to help me with her disease, especially to Alicia Drakiotes who sent me some herbal tea and a beautiful sleepy sac for Lace. Although she only got to enjoy it for a short period of time, I know that Lace knew it was for her. Beautiful Lace... old and as fine and delicate, and as complex as the ones my mother use to make. I will miss you honey... Please remember that I will always love you and that I tried so very hard to help you through your last days... forgive me. Send Bella our love... You will never be forgotten... betty and her blur o'fur for the love of ferrets... sick, old, dying, unwanted... they are all equal in my eyes. [Posted in FML issue 3730]