I would like to thank all the people who have been sending an absolute *flood* of messages expressing sympathy and their condolences on the loss of my ferret Antigone. Your support has helped me get through the worst part of this very difficult time. Several people asked me how Minima is doing. She is bouncy, healthy and *fat* (although I can't really feel bad about that right now, since Antigone was so thin, and it seems to be "winter weight" in Minima's case). She has been getting even more cuddling and playing with than usual, since I no longer have to devote several hours per day just getting subsistence levels of food into Antigone. I don't know if Minima misses her. She hasn't gone around sniffing or looking for her, but I really don't know what's going on in her head. She has been a bit naughty lately (she actually pooped *on* my bed - something neither of them had *ever* done - twice!). I showed her Antigone after the vet put her down, just before I took her to my parents' house to be buried, so maybe she understands. She certainly was *very* aware that Antigone was sick, and was extremely solicitous of her during the last few days (she would always want to be with her, and lick and groom her, almost desperately, as if she could make her better by licking her enough - it was heartbreaking for me to watch). So perhaps she understands that at least her friend isn't in pain anymore. I don't know how animals deal with the death of their companions normally. Anyone? As for the recent discussion re what people do after their pets pass away, I too could not bear the thought of burying Antigone somewhere, then moving away (I move A LOT), so I was very glad when my parents said that I could bury her in their garden. They too have been very supportive: my father suggested that I bury her under a flowering bush that they have, and my mother suggested planting crocus bulbs there in the fall, which will bloom there next spring. They were both with me when I buried her. Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive and caring. Victoria and Minima [Posted in FML issue 0760]