I wanted to say Thank You to all who have sent condolences to me regarding the loss of my Maru. I appreciate the support. Every ferret is special but she was one of the one I had an extra-special connection with. She went everywhere with me, even once she got sick, she loved the park, anyone could handle her, she loved to dance, car rides were a favorite, and she loved any other animal she met. She began getting sick before Thanksgiving, we couldn't figure out quite what the problem was, so she went through numerous tests, and ultrasound, an MRI, blood tests. It was finally determined that it was Insulinoma and a number of Lymphomas throughout her system, along with of couple of smaller issues. Surgery was out because of the number of organs and problems involved, so that left med management. It was going okay until the last week or so, and she just went downhill. No amount of meds were helping- she was telling me it was time. So yesterday I made that horrible call and let the vet know we were coming in, he was expecting the call. I took my baby out into the Spring day and walked her around in the sun and talked to her. I told her where she was going, all the family and friends waiting for her, and that I would be okay. She licked my tears. We went in to the clinic's "comfort room", a lovely room, with couches and fountains, and music. They brought the anethesia machine to us, and it was all done with my baby in my lap. She didn't feel anything. If it had to be, this is the way it needed to be. I have cried all night and most of today. I love her- she was 3 years old. I'm not okay. [Posted in FML issue 4464]