It has been a long time since I posted on this list. It has been at least 3 years. Anyway I rejoined to share my post with all the people who advised me back then. I have never run a full fledged shelter, but I have rescued a total of 43 ferrets over the last dozen years. I have made them ready for a new home, and sent them on their way. Through the years tho, I have always had my original ferret "slinky", that I picked from a litter of kits that belonged to my mom. Mother tells me she got his parrents when they were in England, after quite a battle with customs. Over the years, he has my best friend. He was a beautiful campagne and cinnamon silvermitt with the most unusual amber eyes. He was unaltered and and not descented until his 9th year. (lets just say he had a strong odor until then...) afterwards he mellowed alot and was one of the most gentle guys I ever have been blessed to have. Right before he turned 10 his cataracts were so bad the could'nt see anymore. I really miss his wardances, but otherwise he seemed to adapt to his vision loss pretty well. His vet told me he was just too old to risk having the procedure done on him. He had a habbit of coming to me while at my computer and putting his little hand on my ankle. It would melt my heart, so I would pick him up and he would sleep in my lap. The last year or so he has been sleeping longer, and hardly playing at all. 3 months ago he became unable to climb out of his cage without help. On April 15th at 10:45 my precious little Slinky passed over the rainbow bridge, while peacefully sleeping in my lap. Being born march 25th, 1989 (according to my mom) it would make him the respectable age of 15 years 21 days. I Love and miss you buddy. [Posted in FML issue 4487]