In the memory of 2 ferrets we lost this week I thought it was time to share this with everyone, if it is not to long for the FML, I wrote it a while back, well here goes.... The Last Will and Testament of A Ferret I am your friend the ferret, because the weight of my years and frailty of my body are upon me, and because I realize the end is near, I hereby do leave you my last will and testament. My material things do not add up to much, for who has the most possessions is a flaw of humans not of animals. The only thing of value I can leave you is love, compassion and trust. These I leave to all those who have loved me, but particuarly to my mistress who will grieve for me the most. Being a ferret I am naturally loveable, I mean not to boast, but to list all that have loved me would take days. I ask my mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for to long. I have tried to comfort her in sorrow and chuckle with her in joy. While no ferret has had a happier life, I have grown old and slow with age and feel it is time to say goodbye and go on with my great journey to ferret heaven. It is a sorrow to leave my mistress, but to die I do not fear. There is a place I believe where ferrets can run free and have all the ferretone and raisins they want. Where we can sun on our hammocks and dig in the dirt with no fear of other animals or ignorant humans that may harm us. And where I can glow in the love and warmth of my mistress. My last request is that my mistress continues her life filled with ferrets for they do bring her such joy and she loves them one and all, even the self willed ones. It would be a poor tribute for her never to have another ferret. Even the dogs and cats she loves so she must keep on loving. Though not as perfect as a ferret they also bring her joy. One last word of goodbye. Dearest mistress, whenever you think of me say to yourself, with regret but also with joy and love in your heart, at the remembrance of a long and happy life with you: She loved me unconditionally and I loved her the same. No matter how far I seem I shall always be in your heart. The power of death can not keep me from doing the ferret dance of joy when you call my name. And when it is your turn to leave this world I will be waiting at the gates of heaven to show you the way and welcome you to OUR new home. Love Always, Nellie. By Stephanie Sheme 1994 Copyrighted 1995 I do not mind anyone reprinting this with proper credit. It means a lot to me, I am no writer, but it is from my heart. Take care everyone. [Posted in FML issue 1317]