Our hospice ferrets could not be in better hands than with their trusted Moms & Dads. I just got word that Ivy with a full belly climbed into her sack and took a forever nap. There is something so special about a gift like that. Two this year have left that way, loved with full bellies and then drifted off to Rainbow Bridge. I only know that when it is my time-- I hope I go just that way. Mom Marilyn is a very special lady-- she provides the love & security that allow these little cast off souls to peacefully pass on.. and that is one special gift. So to our new angel Ivy at 8.5 years who saw the shelter too many times-- and to her ANGEL Marilyn, I can only say Thank you and well done. I am sure elder sister Holly will be grief stricken-- the two arrived in the same breeder rescue from MD in Nov 0f 1999 at age 9 mos... they survived a rough start - shelter life then an adopted home .- Both survived a house fire during the holiday season of 2004 and then were brought back to the shelter. It was only fate that Mom Marilyn had an opening when they arrived... Now poor Holly has only hospice Mom to console her.. and she and Mom Marilyn are both in my prayers at this time. Hospice care is time consuming, heart wrenching and a full time job on top of work tasks to survive. I thank each and every hospice home past & present for the love, energy and support you have shown to our orphaned ferret kids. You have all earned your wings in my opinion. ALicia , shelter Mom www.ferretwise.org [Posted in FML 5706]