Mookie left for the Bridge today, September 20, before Maria, Baby, and Smokey. I know that he probably waited for them, so they could all go as a group. Last night he became progressively worse, and I didn't think this morning he'd be with us. When I got home I was truly hoping he'd be at the Bridge, that I wouldn't have to take him to the vet for the shot, but it wasn't to be. I took the four out, and was there before the vet, so the staff took us to a room, and I cuddled them all, and between my tears told each of the Bridge, and who would be waiting. Mookie I held most of the time, stroking his little head, telling him how much I loved him, had since I first saw him in that pet store almost 7 years ago. He was such a good boy. He went to the Purdue Vet School to assist the students in the exotics class, and I can remember one vet was totally in love with him, and I think the little dude would have left me for her! He never failed to fight to get to her, and got into her lab coat one day, climbing all over her, much to her and everyone's delight. Our daughter even took him to school, for a class on ferrets, where he wowed them. I can remember when he first came to us, how he couldn't walk, and Suzy Derkins went ripping by him, stopping as though to say Get up boy! I looked over later and she was on top of him, forcing him to run. He'd been a really dark Panda when he came to us, and he'd faded out to white, with a streak of gray on his side. He was, truly, my special boy. Sandee and Muldoone, please watch for all of them. I'm sure you heard them coming, because I know they're all well, and having a blast. I can only imagine the scene at the Bridge when they got there, and all the Crew and the NC kids were there. Help Baby find the strawberries and crasins, and the rest will like fruit and gravy. Mookie loves packing peanuts and being silly, and could you find someone to sing How do you solve a problem like Maria to little Miss Maria. This has been one of the hardest days I can ever remember, and I haven't stopped crying yet. Please tell them I love them. I'm sure the three knew Mookie was special, but they all were special. Rebecca & the Crew of Merry Mayhem "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with ketchup" "Support bacteria, it's the only culture some people have" [Posted in FML issue 4642]