I had major abdominal surgery last week, and had to be away from our babies all day Tues, Wed. Thurs & Friday. (Made it home, in time for Friday night meds!) I must tell you, we are one of the luckiest ferret sanctuaries on the planet! The care provided for our little ones, in my absence was SUPERB!!! Three babies had been having troubles, so I taught my son in law Ben how to administer sub Q fluids, and the other volunteers covered box duty, food, water, meds, bedding changes, and cage-running. The only one I couldn`t trust to a volunteer was Old Charlie, who has a prostate problem, due to adrenal disease, and needs his bladder expressed, every 5-6 hours, until the lupron kicks in. (Old Charlie stayed with one of our vets, during this time) Everyone did a wonderful job---Things were clean, well-organized, and the ferrets all got out to play, each day, in shifts. I am sorry to say that Bandit gave up his fight with lymphoma while I was away---but my daughter Julie was on the phone with me, and I was able to talk her through the comfort measures, from the hospital. Ben was able to make Bandit much more comfortable too, with the fluids, and Bandit passed peacefully, at home. Everything was done, exactly as I would have done it.He died, the day before I came home. These sweet people were so sensitive to his needs--and mine....They left Bandit, just as he was when he passed, in his cuddle cup, so I could say goodbye. (This was very hard, because I always promise them, when they come in, that I will never leave them---and I wasn`t there for him,,,,,) The 26 staples came out yesterday, and volunteers are still watching over our little sweethearts, providing for all their needs.I am doing all meds, but cannot do any bending, stooping, or lifting for awhile. Worst of all, I cannot get down on the floor to play....but the volunteers do!! Their devotion is amazing!!! I have a 12 year old named Sam, who is here, nearly every day. She was hit by a golf club, yesterday, and required over 100 stitches in her head. Such is her devotion, that she has insisted that her MOM come do boxes, in her place!!! Several of our helpers have full time jobs, and are coming after work. Others will be here, on the weekend. All have expressed that they will be here, for as long as we need them. Thank God for wonderful friends, relatives, and volunteers!!! Love Zoo, of Zoo`s Ferret Sanctuary NFP P.S.--Bandit`s picture is on our website, under Ellen`s Crew. It was taken before he began to lose his fur, due to adrenal disease. (He just had his first lupron shot, a few weeks ago------Yes, he was worth the gamble.....) Website addy: www.zoosferretsanctuary.com I apologize for the banners, (someone here said they were disgusted by them), but it makes the website cost-effective. [Posted in FML issue 4177]