I am sad to report that I have lost two of my preciouses in the recent past. Bulldog, my main man, got so sick, so fast. He got operated on for a tumor, but only lived a day afterwards. Poor little man. I wish I had done something for him sooner, but it seemed like it was only about a week when the symptoms happened. He went very quietly, in my lap. My husband didn't even believe Bulldog was gone. It was awful. I know I am glad that he just slipped away like that, instead of sufferring. It was like he just went to sleep and kept going. But I had lost our tiny angel, Missy Ki, just about a month prior. Missy, (AKA Sissy), did not go as easily. Poor little thing. She never complained. Her diet got picky, but she ate what I brought. She was so old. I had been tempting her with about everything. She would eat (meat based) baby food one day, and then different ferret food with chicken broth or chicken gravy the next. I couldn't complain about her pickiness. I was just glad she would eat. Then one night it was just all down hill and over. Now both my babies are over the Rainbow Bridge and left me behind. I know that's silly to say, but I miss them so much. I have three guys left. Seems strange to not have Sissy, a quarter their size, just kicking their butts, but that's the way it is. I am happy that my two oldest, Simon and Dobby, (two of the first three who came home with us) are still here. They aren't the same full-of-energy guys Every day, but most often so. And we love our new addition, Cracker too. He only been here about a year. Thank God for ferrivite. Those guys wouldn't have a vitamin suppliment in their faces any other way. And I'm happy with the vet who operated on Bulldog. We live in the boondocks and were lucky to find someone so interested and excited to have more experience. Dr. has had training, but we aren't covered in ferrets around here. And the doc was so tender and careful with my babies. He's good to the guys too. I have put the sympathy he and his office ladies sent me into my "Happy" box, because it was so thoughtful of them to care. I don't get to read every edition here, but I get to quite often and it is nice to hear from everyone about how their babies are doing, or new ideas, and I have to say, I like to hear about the stuff for sale. I am learning to sew, but I can't get the hang of hammocks. So having an alternative to a long drive and an overpriced item is nice. So thanks for that too, guys. When Sis died, that was incredibly hard on me. My husband too. Even though she had been poorly for a while. It was awful. I took a homemade (large) jewelry box that some fella made for me many years ago and etched her name and all on it and we buried her in the back yard. I feel for any kid who goes out there unaware, because it is obvious that it is a little grave. Then my main man left me too. Poor Bulldog. He was so obviously hurting that last day, I couldn't wish for him to stay. He just wanted me to hold him. He had his meds, but still, he wasn't feeling well at all. I think the operation was too much for his heart, after he had lost so much weight. And I do really mean that he lost a ton in about a week. But he was our sweet guy. A smarty pants. Life isn't the same without him. He is by Sissy now. But I like to think of him being in Heaven. They gotta let such charming animals in there, don't they? Not even in Animal Heaven. In with the people, because my little guys really like to enjoy people. That's enough for me. I had wanted to say something to memorialize my sweethearts for some time now, but couldn't really talk or write about it until now. I've had many pets, but only a few who I bonded with and my ferrets are some of them. I've enlarged their play area, gotten more bedding so its easier to change and wash, (they get so perterbed when I have all their bedding in the dryer. They decide its time to climb back into the cage and go to bed, even if its not their normal time). More toys. I'm trying to get them to eat a better standard of food but they are so stubborn. I want to keep them as healthy as possibly and happy as possible and here as long as possible. They deserve it. They've given me years of happiness and are always happy to climb all over me or get in my purse and take off with my favorite pen or one of the remotes. :-) It takes so little to make them happy. When I shampoo the living room carpet, (their play area), they go nuts. Something clean to rub all over! :-) Thanks for listening, Vee and Family, Cracker, Dobby and Simon [Posted in FML issue 5070]