1997 ended with Rikki needing adrenal surgery. The surgery was done on January 15, 1998. Rikki recovered and was back to her normal self, again. But as time went on it became apparent that her other adrenal gland was affected. (something rare, I'm told) and on June 15, 1998, Rikki went back for the surgery. The second surgery was very hard on Rikki. There was a great loss of blood and she was sutured closed. By Wednesday (June 17th) she was eating and running around. She was "fine" until the weekend when I realized that she wasn't herself and didn't get up to play. On Tuesday, June 23, we took her into the vet to have her put on antibiotics and have her given fluids under the skin. The vet told us to expect the worst. (he indicated that she was jaunticed - liver problems, perhaps) We arrived home at 9:05 am and I laid down with her on my chest as I had done so many times when she was a baby and I loved her until she slipped away from me at 10:40 am. She was 3 1/2 years old. We buried her in the backyard along the fence row and not far from her "daddy's" garden. I am placing some edible flowers on her grave today... edible in case the many bunnies we have are hungry ! We will be planting a flower there this summer. Everything reminds me of Rikki - an empty pop can (she loved flat soda), garbvage cans (never saw one she didn't tip over) taking a shower (she liked to get into the wet bathtub.. she'd get stuck and need help to get out), my cosmetic sponges (she stole them on a regular basis and stockpiled them in her hidey hole), laying in bed or opening any drawer, (her favorite places to sleep) .... I swear I will even miss her biting me on the leg in the morning... =o) chomp, chomp She was my best girl - never missed the litterbox, even when she was sick ! She leaves behind two older sisters, Krista and Joon. Krista got to see her before we buried her and she gave her ear a good cleaning... I think they are both wondering where she has gone. At this time, I'd like to say a special thanks to Rikki's ferret godmother, Margie S. Margie very graciously gave us the money for Rikki's first surgery without even knowing us. We are paying her money back, but I can't tell you how very fortunate I am that there are people like Margie in this world. She holds a special place in my heart , as well as Rikki's. Please give your fuzzies an extra hug and make sure you appreciate each and every day you have with each of them. and a few words.... It won't rain all the time The sky won't fall forever And though the night seems long Your tears won't fall forever - It Can't Rain All the Time / Jane Siberry Way over yonder is a place that I know Where I can find shelter from hunger and cold And the sweet tasting good life is easily found Way over yonder - that's where I'm bound - Way Over Yonder / Carole King Did you know that before you came into my life It was some kind of miracle that I survived Some day we will both look back And have to laugh,We lived through a lifetime And the aftermath. - This is the Time / Billy Joel My heart still hangs heavy.... as it will forever. Shelly [Posted in FML issue 2351]