Ulysses left us Monday morning at 6:35. I miss him terribly and I had so hoped he'd survive but I know he is no longer suffering and for that I'm grateful. There is so much about Ulysses care that I had not told anyone and unless they actually have been through it, they might not truly understand what all is involved when nursing a critical little one. I have been so focused on the ailing that the house and any chores that could wait, were put on hold. I know the chores will be there to do later, but my little one might not be so they become the priority. When I focus on an ailing ferret, I use all my energies for that particular little one to the point of exhaustion and in some cases sickness in myself. Every waking moment is filled with thoughts of that particular ferret and sleeping is almost non-existent other than a troubled cat nap here and there. During the past 8 weeks few of the ferrets asked me to play and they themselves were more sullen. When I needed a hug there was always one-two-three around to lovingly accommodate my urge. Ulysses did not move. Occasionally when he had to go to the bathroom he would whimper and wiggle and then I'd know to put him on the floor on his belly where he would slowly swim a few inches then go potty. Other times he would potty without letting me know so I checked him frequently and cleaned him as needed. The tiny infant diapers worked well to keep him dry. I laid him in one leaving it open and it absorbed the moisture. Only problem was that the other ferrets kept stealing them. I would carry Ulysses around with me as I did chores and when I laid him down I turned him several times to prevent bedsores. I constantly checked on him. His little body was stiff much of the time. His legs swelled. His sinus's were so clogged he breathed out of his mouth with his little nose tilted up. Saliva formed and dripped out of his mouth as open mouth breathing is not normal for a ferret. He didn't eat on his own. I syringe fed him, as little or as much as he'd willingly take. Ulysses kept trying and so did I. This past weekend I was able to get his sinus's unclogged but then I heard a rattle in his chest. Perhaps the mucus drained down into his lungs, I don't know. Ulysses has been on antibiotics for weeks hoping to prevent bacterial pneumonia if he aspirated recipe. I contacted Larry (our vet) and he instructed me to keep him comfortable which I had been doing and continued to do. Did I keep Ulysses with me too long? Some may think so. Each one of us must make these decisions based on the information we have and what the ferret tells us. I kept Ulysses as long as he was willing to try and he tried until his body could not go on. Not knowing what the outcome would be and knowing Ulysses did have a chance even though it was slim, I had to do whatever I could to help him overcome his battle. Unfortunately, we lost. As I said, he is no longer in pain.... Special thanks to all who have provided support, kind words, and understanding friendship through our ordeal. I ask but one favor from everyone, in memory of Krystal, Butterscotch, and Ulysses, please give your little ones an extra hug today. Hugs to all. tle Troy Lynn Eckart Ferret Family Services http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~sprite/ffs.html http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/ Please sign up to support our charity http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?cid=46&mid=58395 [Posted in FML issue 2840]