At 7:00 this morning I discovered Murphy asleep in basket. He looked so cute that I had my husband look an then took a picture. I then picked him up to put him in a cage (as he always attached the other 9 ferrets when he was up). I was totally shocked when I felt that he was somewhat cold and that he had died! My husband thought I was kidding! Now what in the world could of happened???? I got Murphy from the Humane Society a year ago in April. He was still being quarantined from the others when on Memorial Day weekend last year, we were watching my daughter's dalmation when she decided he was a "playtoy" and was tossing him in the air on the bed. Murphy was shook up but seemed to be okay. No blood or anything. The next day he didn't act normal and so took him to the vet who put him on an IV and noticed bruises and 2 small sort of puncture type wounds in his rib area. He got better, but always attached our other ferrets when they were able to be together again....and never had ANY fear from the "granddog" OR our 3 dogs. Murphy never cried, panted, coughed, or in any way acted sick. Even just yesterday him & I took a car ride together and he was a great rider! He even slept with one of our other ferrets yesterday...the only one he tolerated...on occasion. I searched the archives as kind of remember seeing something about a "lung puncture" back when he was hurt and a ferret that died many months later. Could this of been his problem? Does anyone have any possible answers? He was just so healthy yesterday! I called him my "little Smurf". We had such good times together and my heart is breaking. To top it off, my older ferret, Dude, passed away during the night, too. We had expected this as his heart only had about 60-62 beats per minute when he was at the vet maybe about 6 weeks ago and we were told it could be at any time. Would really appreciate some possible answers is anyone has any. We never knew how old he was. I always figured at least 4. Thanks for any answers. My Smurf and Dude have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. They are being greeted by: Samson, Abbey, Hayley, Winston, Austin, Elliott, and Aspen. Be a good boy, Smurf...they're there to love you and keep you company for a while. And Dude, once again you're reunited with a very healthy Austin. Kisses to all of them for me, please. And, Murphy, PLEASE be nice. I miss you all!! God only loaned all of you to me but you've stolen my heart...which is breaking. Your loving earthly mom.... Connie ([log in to unmask]) [Posted in FML issue 4549]