I originally wrote this a month ago:
It’s been nearly two weeks since Gabby passed away quietly and peacefully in her sleep. For the first time in nearly 13 years we are ferret-less; for the first time in my life I’m pet-less. It feels very strange and empty to be without a little furry friend to tend to and cuddle. But right now we’re in no position to bring another animal into our home. On November 11, Eric and I were in a car accident, in which Eric broke a rib and I broke my thumb (quite severely). Neither of us is in a condition to care for an animal right now.
Gradually, we’re putting away the ferret things: tubes, tents, toys. It’s a sad process. It will be complete when Gabby’s ashes return and rest on the shelf with the remains of Sabrina, Ralph, Marshmallow, Knuks, Trixie, Bosco da Gama, Balthazar, Cauliflower, and Koosh. I couldn’t want a finer groups of furry friends than these. I can remember the feel of each one; each one’s good and bad habits and ferrty quirks. I hope these memories never leave me.
I remember all of your ferrets almost as if they were my own. I loved seeing them and reading about them in Modern Ferret. Things sure have changed since then. All my ferrets from then are gone. Elvis left just before Thanksgiving. I have more now than back then. I think they come out of the woodwork. Tom says they come home in the grocery bags.
On another note the ferretlovers email site is down. Are you going to renew?
Hi Mary, I just wanted to say how very sorry I am that you lost the very last of your darling ferrets. I subscribed to Modern Ferret several years ago to get my only legal ferret fix ( I live in California) but have given up hope for the time being. On February 11th of this year, my beloved cat and constant companion for 20 years, Sabella, died after a long battle with kidney disease. My husband and I don’t have kids- she was our baby. She was brave and sweet to the very end and I know I will never stop missing her. I just wanted to give you a gentle cyber-pat on the back for comfort and to assure you that no ferrets on this earth ever could have had a happier life than with you and your devoted hubby. You’ve been a wonderful ferret mom and will be again. I wish you a speedy recovery for both heart and thumb. Lots of Love, Jennifer