Some time over the evening, my jill passed away. Over the evening, she had improved since her return from the vet. The vet who operated on her said that what she had was a "one-off" problem, and that nothing could have prevented it. Which is a relief for my other girls (I'd hate to have inadvertently been doing something wrong, which was a worry!!) but which doesn't help my little girl. I had Slinky for four years. She was my only albino, father of six kits last year, including Bob C's Carbone and Amy Flemming's Neets and Sams Song. ALWAYS a good mother, and a goof friend, Slinkys coat would become softer than silk in the winter and coare as a stiff paintbrush in summer. An eternal optomist in life, Slinky would always bounce to the door of the cage looking for "out" or if she was out, she'd bounce around the house looking for trouble. Slinky was the first ferret to find out that cat doors can be opened even when locked, if you're determined enough. She's the one that would climb into the middle of the crockery to create a noise. Slinky is the first female I've ever lost, and I will miss her dearly. I love you Slinky. Sam [Posted in FML issue 2513]