After a week of pure heartbreak, Spot left our realm last night a little before midnight. I've not slept much this last week, checking on Spot repeatedly throughout the evening and nights. It's been an intensive, draining and painful week, emotionally and physically, but it was worth every second to give Spot his time. After work I tried to feed him and for the first time he wouldn't lap his recipe. He had been eating 1/2 jar of baby food recipe 3 times a day for 2 days, before that he was eating full jars at a time. His ability to move had dwindled to his head and neck, and wiggling to get out of messes when he had to go to the bathroom. I had set him up in the bottom of a medium kennel (top removed) with a soft thick orthopedic pad covered with soft fleece and a towel under him to wick away moisture. Over him was the softest baby blanket Walmart sells. It was his favorite even though it was pink. Throughout the week I considered taking him back to Larry for his last visit but his mind was still aware and he didn't show signs of distress. Spot never was a cuddle ferret so after feedings and cleanings he wanted to go back to his bed. He patiently allowed me to rinse him with warm water each morning and evening and apply cream to try and protect his skin - the rest of the time I was there to clean him quickly. He was leaking fluids and a burn formed on whatever side he laid on so I folded soft toilet paper and fashioned a type of diaper, laying it between his legs and under his laying side. This worked to absorb the moisture and prevent the burns. The others left him alone for the most part, though Scoot and Jem did try to rummage under his bedding a few times, they didn't mess directly with him. I was quick to deter them and if they were too persistent they went in the cage to cool their jets. During the day I put a cage over his bed so he wasn't bothered by the other ferrets. There was room to place water and food and an area for him to move out of his bed if he wanted. I had placed him in the bathroom with a plexiglass barrier in the doorway before when I was at work, but he seemed more comfortable in the living room, less isolated I'm guessing. Serena laid near his bed, her way of providing comfort. Serena understands when a little one is on deaths door and it affects her deeply too. She is sad, and spends more time near them. Athena, on the other hand, is oblivious. Spot had an extra week to come to terms with leaving, and he did it in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Rest well my little one. I love you. Please, in memory of Spot, spend extra time with your little ones, give them extra cuddles (no matter how much they object), and cherish each day you have with them. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org [Posted in FML 7413]