Dear Shelley, My heart goes out to you. Yes, the pain of losing such precious beings is horrific, and doesn't go away. Their little spirits stay in our hearts forever. I know that you're hurting so bad right now, the thought of going through it again and again is unbearable. I too have cried buckets while holding a fuzzie that has passed, too many times.It is precisely that quality of a human that the ferret's need in their lives, caring, loving, and with them to the end. Hold tight to the knowledge that your babe was given all the love, caring and joy you could give, had the best life a fuzzie could have with you, and she had a happy time, a good life, up until it was her time to go. Ferret people, true ferret people seem to be more caring, and attuned to their fuzzy family members, and that is what makes it so very hard when they fall ill or pass away. I have no words to ease your pain, just know that all of us who have lost loved ones grieve with you for your loss. You gave Little Bit your love, and that is what she takes with her over the bridge. May you walk in beauty, Michelle and the gang of 13 PS Our Maggie is failing, and I will soon be with you in agony. She is a treasure,(as are all ferrets), and it is an honor to have her in our life. I will continue to take in the sick and the elderly, to love when no one else wants them, to cuddle, and take massive trips to the Vet, to wipe their little bottoms when they are no longer able to have control. I hope that at some point down the road, you might reconsider, and share your compassion and love, and yes, even pain, with more fuzzies. [Posted in FML issue 4213]