I am so sorry Troy Lynn, You are so right in that you devote so much of your energy, hoping to continue giving them the will to live, when you have a critically ill fur child. Grandpa had consumed so much of my time for the last 6 months of his life I was worried that I was becoming neglectful of the others in my care. They did seem to understand, At least most of them. Even though we know the end is near and do what we can to prepare, it is still a shock. For several days after he died, I found myself still working my daily schedule around his feeding and medicating. I felt at such a loss to not be holding him and feeding him. Did I keep him with me to long. Probably, but as you said, he was willing to patiently wait as I fed him, He did not fight and from time to time he rallied. As long as he was willing to fight the good fight, I was willing to be right there at his side, fighting with him. Grandpa reserves a very special place in my heart and maybe a little bigger piece of me left with him. His sweet kisses and gentle ways will be with me always and help me to fight the next battle for the next critically ill fur child who finds itseld in my care. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you this day and maybe Skeeter will pal up my Grandpa and your Ulyssus, and they can play together as young ones again. Love, Diana and The Ferret Farm [Posted in FML issue 2841]