Rascal wandered to the bridge at about 1:30 pm last Saturday 8/3. A chunk of my heart goes with him. Rascal had advanced heart disease. His preliminary ex-ray showed his heart to be 40% larger than normal. We started on Diuretics, two weeks later went back for a second ex-ray. I was all set for somewhat good news, his breathing was sounding better...however that was not to be. The vet explained that he was 10 times worse and his life would be very short. I made the best choice I could for him and let him go to the bridge that day. Rascal was my second ferret, he was a challenge from the start. My husband did not want a second ferret. Every day at lunch I would go to the mall, get a sandwich and sit across from the store window and watch him and his littermates play. One week later, I brought my husband by to show him how cute he was...the answer was still no. One day after lunch I called him from work and jokingly told him that I bought Rascal (yes he was already named by me). He didn't believe me, and said if you feel that strongly go get him...I didn't believe him so I left work immediately and bought him. I almost expected my husband to be waiting out side the store to tell him he was only kidding. Rascal came from a horrible pet store where the ferrets were locked in a tiny dog kennel no hammock, bedding or even a litterbox. They were also locked in a glass room. I found out why when the store clerk went to get Rascal...and one of his littermates bit her through the cage grill and wouldn't let go.. I had to pry the ferret off. I should have known then! They put him in a box, I got him in the car and could hear him hissing and growling from the box. He was only about six weeks old. He was a beautiful silver mitt, with a white lightening bolt on the back of his neck. He remained a vicious biter for about two years. When anyone would try to pet him, he would just latch on and not let go. He would scream and lung at people. Guests were afraid to come to my house, we all had scars on our toes. It took two years, then due to an illness and months of intensive care and assist feeding, he decided that people were not so bad. He became a big, fuzzy, cuddlebug who gave great kisses. I always suspected I'd lose him early (he as 5 1/2). There was always something going on with him, age six months had to remove a huge growth from his foot, age 1-sliced open his stomach somehow (under the refrigerator I suspect), age 2-unknown illness that almost took his life and required 3 months of force feeding and hospitalization (suspected heart issues at that time); age 3-chronic ear infections that continued on throughout his life, age 4, growth removed from over his left eye and bilateral adrenal surgery, age 5, - low blood sugar; age 5 1/2- heart disease. He does have one friend waiting for him at the bridge, Buster. Buster left two years ago at 3 1/2. Sandee tell Rascal that there is clearly something missing in my house. Tell him that it seems strange to be able to wear socks in the house. I've seen him in my dreams. I'll miss his fluffed tail during back scratches and the reciprocating nose kisses after a good back scratch...there will never be another Rascal. I'm glad you're at peace and can breath I miss you my Fattie McRattie! [Posted in FML issue 3873]