Today July 25, 1996 at 6:15 Pm Ferret Wise lost another hero -- Opie-- Opie arrived at Ferret Wise Shelter in March of 1995 along with his companion Snowbear. Both ferrets were victims of cedar toxicity having been bedded directly on cedar shavings for the first 2 1/2 years of their lives. Sickly and unkempt they had been on an inadequate grocery store diet and had great trouble walking. After a regimen of antibiotics for urinary tract problems and a new healthy diet both ferrets recovered well gaining strength and stamina. Foster parents Pam and Frank Trovato took them from the shelter to provide a loving home. Late this Spring Opie developed some behavior problems, then came the urinary tract infection that wouldn't quit followed by hair loss. The hair loss was only on the underside of the body from chin to belly, not the usual patterning. After several trips to the vet, surgery was scheduled for today for an exploratory with suspicion of adrenal disease. A bi-lateral adrenal condition was found and both glands were removed. At the same time nodes were detected on the pancreas and the stomach. Following surgery hemorrhaging (sp) began and Opie was allowed to sleep. His mission complete Pam and Frank brought him back to Ferrets View to spend his time watching and protecting the shelter kids. Little Opie was dealt a difficult hand of cards, but this morning after barely moving for several days as Pam readied him for his last great ride Opie danced and played as if he were celebrating life. We will all remember Opie and we are sure he is dancing still at rainbows end. [Posted in FML issue 1643]