I know you all will share this grief with me. My four year old black eyed white (named Templeton) died yesterday after an illness that just caused him to quit eating, grind his teeth with water and waste away. No one knew for sure what it was but there aren't a lot of ferret expert vets here in southern Maryland and he refused all attempts at feeding him duck soup, etc. Let me tell you about him. He came to us at 3 months as an awkward ugly little mite being saved from being sent to the research farm. He grew into the most beautiful handsome ferret. Everyone who came into our home said he was the most handsome (I have six ferrets, sorry, five now). Visitors also loved him best for his personality. He was ALWAYS happy, never any trouble, always full of love for us (his parents) and his ferret family. You see, he was the alpha male of the group. What will they do now? What will I do now? My heart is broken in millions of pieces. I am disabled and spend too much time at home. He and my group are my constant companions. Templeton would lick tears from your face and laugh with you in joy. He was one of the most special animals we ever had, there will never be another like him. All of you who have had one this special will understand this. As alpha male he always allowed the younger ones to climb on him, chew his ears, all with the utmost patience. There did come times for discipline when one or the other needed a good neck pulling but it was over quick and when the offender learned their lesson he was there with more kisses and love. He was the greatest ever to us. I do not know how the bridge greeters work but I do firmly believe in God. If anyone hears of him on the bridge please let me know. There will be this uproar of joy because whoever he is with now has a true friend. A truly special spirit. I love him. Marianna [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 5367]