Reb, this was actually a happy post for me to read, even though I was saddened that you will miss your Dakota. I was happy that he stayed with his mate and came to live with you. I thought that was so very happy. I thought that a bonded pair of ferrets going to a nursing home was one of the most endearing thing's I"ve read in a while. As you and many people know, I very much support ferrets as therapy animals in special situations. Lastly, I knew how you felt when you described your experience recieving your special gift. I knew because I recieved one myself! I posted on the FML, a thank you, to those responsible for sending me a likeness of Jubilee Spirit. It's like she's with me again. It's wonderful. Our gift reduced my 6'1", 200 lb husband to tears. I hope others get to experience Karen Douglass's art. I know this sounds cliche' ... but the photos on the site do no justice what-so-ever. These are life size statues. They show the grace and cuteness of the ferret. Each one that Karen Douglas creates, is unique, and fits your ferrets personality. She has a way of capturing colors, patterns, symbols, etc that reflect your ferret as well as paint them to your ferrets liking. Anyway, I just thought it was neat that you also got to feel what I did. Wolfy http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com [Posted in FML issue 4621]