Dear Zoo: I read your post on the FML and send much love and sympathy your way. I recently read a book by James Van Praagh, a medium who talks to those who have passed to "The Other Side." He makes a comment in this book about the emotion of guilt. He claims it as a worthless emotion that does no good. After much thought, I've decided I agree with him. It serves no positive purpose. How does repeated questioning and beating ourselves up over things we cannot change really help us? Is there a more cerebral way? I learned several years ago from a wise man and fellow caregiver of birds of prey this lesson: When an animal is injured, becomes ill or passes; it is important to evaluate the situation, look for avenues that might have been a better choice and generally ask, "What could I have done differently knowing what I now know that might save the next creature?" "Did I miss something?" "Do I need to learn more?" I suggest that if we put our energy into learning more, we can set guilt aside and not let it detour our good actions. In addition to this I would like to toss out another point of view about your words of favortism and the fear that you made this event happen. We connect with humans and animals in different ways because of many life experiences and the emotions and memories they may stir. The stronger the connection, IMO, the greater the chances of one becoming a favorite. In this case, I would suggest, discard the guilt and consider this: What a wonderful expression of love you shared with this little ferret. As she was readying herself for her journey to The Bridge, she could release her spirit and start her trip knowing and hearing she had achieved the highest form of love Zoo had to give. Embrass that thought and throw away the guilt Dear Zoo, for you help so many of us and so many ferrets and other creatures that you deserve to have a full, warm heart even if a little part of it has traveled to another time and place. You put the love you held for her into words and sound that is now resonating throughout the Universe - what a wonderful loving gesture. Love trumps guilt any time in my book! May time and the other furballs in your care help you heal. Most respectfully, Cathy Ryan Feed rescued animals in two clicks http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 [Posted in FML 6905]