It is with a heavy heart that we add this post to the longlist of those who have gone before. Today, as a result of the findings of exploratory surgery and the recommendation of the vet, Custard, known to her loved ones as Cussieweezil was helped across the rainbow bridge, due to a massive infection in her abdominal cavity. she had been making good progress during the last week, but sadly having fought so long and so bravely, it was just too much for one little girl to cope with. Everyone who met her was captivated by her petite beauty, and sweet and gentle nature, she really was "a lover not a fighter". She leaves a void in our business that is impossible to fill. She was just 2 years old and leaves behind her a very confused sister Rhubarb (Biteyweezil), and cagemates Skweek(Skweekyweezil), and special playmate Bubbles (da big ol Warweezil), who bravely and unflinchingly donated his blood for surgery today We have to ask Sandee to look out for our baby girl she may still be a little short of fur here and there, but she is a hooded sable with a liking for roast chicken (it has to be cooked for her she is fussy about that) as well as the usual furotone and raisins. she like to play in anything tha crackles or rattles but isnt too sure about tubes. she doesnt mind hammies but prefers a folded towel that she can burrow into. Look after her for us, she has no one at the bridge unless she hooks up with the lab/retriever named Bruno or the cats Benji and Tuppence (Cussie isnt at all afraid of cats) all of whom passed a few years back Tell her Daddy and Unkie Lee miss her so very much and she will always be in our hearts, but we understand that she had to go and its ok, we have told the others and they seem to understand we all hope her tummy is all better now she is there. we all sat down and wrote a poem about our girl she was special. Cussieweezil You gave so much so freely, in your special little way Until the time arrived that you would have to go away Your voice now stilled forever your eyes no longer see No longer will my baby girl, wardance her way round me The gift you gave so freely in your loving litle way Will stay with us forever, it did not die this day We lost our Cussieweezil, fate said it must be so A brief farewell, a tender kiss, and then you had to go So rest in peace my baby, safe now from the pain Nothing now can hurt you, you can be free again Our little Custard angel, well miss you every day And always will regret the fact you had to go away Cris, Lee & Bubbles Skweek and Rhubarb. [Posted in FML issue 3826]