BAILEY MUST'VE STOLEN MY CALENDAR

Holy Cow, where does the time go?? My last post was in January?? Really??? :::hanging head:::: Aarrrrgghh. Let's update, shall we?

Well. Bailey, my champagne baby who got scalped by Milo, is now a part of the Wildkatz and he and Milo are BFF's. (Go figure) Bailey is the wildest of them all and he loves to find trouble. He loves to sneak in Keith's office, climb up on his desk and knock everything (including the wireless keyboard) off. He also enjoys erasing the greeting message on the business phone and stealing the computer mouse and Keith's glasses. He will attempt to steal the TV remote and it's a game of tug-of-war trying to get it back. He loves, loves to run and quite often we will just see him hauling ass through the house. It's hysterical. He's such a little clown!

Angel, my little girl who had adrenal surgery last November, never regrew her hair (except on her tail). Dr. Dori felt a lump upon examination and suggested a second surgery, which we did. That was just this past June. Turns out Angel was growing a tumor on her right adrenal and bone was forming around it! Weird. Now the little stinker is growing her hair back and she is going to be a beautiful DEW!

Oh, and we went to Shreveport in April for the First Annual Ferret Fun Rodeo. We had a blast! Smokey won 1st Place for Longest Kisser; Bailey won 1st Place in the tube races and 2nd in the bag races; Angel won 1st Place for Smallest Female Ferret; Angel and Smokey took 3rd Place for Opposites: Big and Small.

That pretty much brings us up to date -- at least with the Big Stuff.

But, there is one more Big Thing, and this just happened today. Dave, my blind guy and oldest by estimation, has insulinoma and I've been giving him prednisone for about a year. Lately he's had some hair loss on his back and head, a sign of possible adrenal disease. We felt that he was healthy enough to withstand exploratory surgery to remove the tumors, so it was scheduled for today. Just as they were about to put him under anaesthesia, Dr. Dori noticed Dave kind of choking and she realized he wasn't breathing good. So she did an x-ray and ultrasound and discovered a large mass that is either in his heart or his lungs, which is constricting his breathing.

Needless to say, the surgery was cancelled and she started Dave on Benazapril for his heart and Lasix to help get rid of the excess fluid.

Bottom line: my little Dave doesn't have much longer. And my heart is breaking.

THE WAITING GAME

My days are packed lately, and I haven't had a chance to write. I'm taking care of Cupid and trying to take care of my own body, which is still not feeling too smurfy due to some asthma issues.

We went to the vet yesterday and she determined that Cupid has cardiomyopathy and insulinoma which is not being controlled by the prednisone. She increased the dose of pred from .2 cc to .25 cc 2x/day. We took him off the Carafate, because it hasn't helped his teeth grinding. He is not a good candidate for insulinoma surgery, so basically, we wait. There is nothing more to do. I'm adding Carnivore Care and Totally Ferret Complete Nutrition, alternating these in his Duck Soup feedings.

He has continued to lose weight. Dr. Dori explained that it is due to the heart disease. It's just using up all of his calories. It's horrific how thin he is. He is just sleeping. Walking is getting difficult for him -- he is so weak and stumbles when he walks. He can't make it across the living room floor before laying down.

I also took Ziggy to the vet with Cupid yesterday, because he was due for his annual distemper shot. Well. He had a bad reaction. He started throwing up and he zoned out. Dr. Dori had to give him a shot of Benadryl and a cortisone shot. That was scarey. Now he will have to be pre-medicated every time.

I'm hearing the pitter-patter of little ferret feet as I type. I look down and George is checking out my humidifier. He is beautiful! His summer coat is almost in and he is almost all black, except for his white markings. And shiney!!! Need to get a good pic of him, for sure.

Feeling: sad, ill, tired

LUMPS AND PSYCHICS

It has been a long week. I'm fighting a bug and am worn out. Little Cupid had a couple of "good" days and now he's not-so-good. I'm trying to get used to that and not freak out every time he's feeling bad. But it's really hard.

Yesterday I was scratching his tummy and felt a large lump on his left side. There's no sense in rushing him to Dr. Dori, though. He has an appointment one week from this Monday and she'll be repeating his x-rays then. Honestly, I'm preparing myself for the worst.

This is a weird thing, but sometimes I wish I could take Cupid to a pet psychic. He's always been such a serious and rather sad little dude. I'd like to know what is in his head. And I want him to know how deeply he is loved. Alas, we don't have the money to spend on such a thing! Guess I'll have to depend on my own intuition....

I need sleep....

HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR WEASEL TODAY?

The fuzzies are kind of quiet tonight. I went and got Cupid and told him I wanted to hold him for a minute. Gave him some Ferretone so he'd linger in my lap. It lasted two minutes, perhaps, before he wiggled to get down. He's never been real big on being held, but he's become even more crabby about it since he got sick. Well. He gets lovies whether he wants them or not!

Dave wouldn't have any of Cupid's grouchiness tonight. He found Cupid, woke him up and pushed him out of his bed. Then Dave proceeded to "pounce" Cupid, inviting him to play. (Pouncing in Dave and Cupid's case is more like slowly climbing, but their intention is that of pouncing). Cupid ignored Dave. Dave pounced (climbed) on Cupid again. Cupid ignored. Finally Dave lets out this big, loud, "KECK! KECK!" Cupid went into the Hidey Hole.

And that was that.

Tomorrow is National Ferret Day! Hug a Weasel ! We (some members of the Ferret Association) were in the Houston Chronicle's Lifestyle section today with a very nice little article about ferrets. Also, on the Chronicle's website, is a photo gallery with some pictures. I was all excited and was showing some people at work. One lady said she thought I needed help because I'm "obsessed". Ugh. Whatever.


Several people have notified us that they need to find a new home for their ferrets. The rescue isn't taking anymore in right now (temporarily), so it's hard to know what to tell these folks. I keep telling hy husband that I'm very serious about starting a rescue. He's OK with it for a future goal, but now isn't the time. I thought of approaching the people that are doing the rescue I'm volunteering for and seeing if we could work together and expand the current one. We both live on the north side of Houston, but on opposite ends...so we could cover a broader area. We'd still be raising funds for just one rescue, instead of two separate ones. Don't know what anyone else would think about it ~ just an idea I've had.

Anyway, here's good link if you'd like some ideas on how to help out your local rescue:

http://www.sjferret.com/100ways.html



My ferret rescued me....

(photo: George)

MELTDOWN - PART TWO

I cried myself to sleep last night and I went to work today feeling incredibly bummed out. Cupid ate very little this morning and he went flat a couple of times before retreating into the community hammock under the bed.

I mentioned to a coworker/friend that I was having a hard time and was feeling useless today. Her only response was, "Ooohhh. And we are really busy today." No empathy or sympathy. No, "I'm so sorry" or a small hug. Just, "we're really busy".

Another coworker made the remark (and this one just blew my mind) that "perhaps I should take Cupid back to the lady (meaning the rescue) I got him from". What??????? Really?????

I don't expect anyone to get it. I'd just appreciate a little kindness around this thing. Shit. Just because Cupid is a ferret and not a dog or cat, people think I'm a freak.

Anyway, he is going to the vet tomorrow. I have an appointment for April 13, but I don't think I should wait. He needs to be looked at, pronto. Hopefully, it's not too late to help him. I did some research again today and I am certain he has a cardiomyopathy. Insulinoma, at this point, is the least of my little buddy's problems. I know they can give meds for heart issues in ferrets. It doesn't reverse anything, but at least they feel better. It's all I can hope for.

SPRING PHOTOS & CUPID'S ADVENTURE

Dave gets his Spring Photo done, but, because he is blind, he has a hard time getting the idea about what the heck he's supposed to be doing!! He just cracks me up! I gave him Ferratone and he loves, loves it!

OK, we were a bit more sucessful in the second photo:

Iz dis bettr, Mom?

Yesterday I took Cupid outside to explore the flowerbed. I wish I hadn't cut the top of his head off in this photo, but it's still so cute. He enjoys sniffing around outside, however, we had a Drama Moment when he slipped through a hole in the fence and went into the neighbor's yard!! I called him and he came back to me, thankfully! We won't be doing that again. Must get a playpen for outside romps...Anyway, that was enough excitement, so we came back in the house...

I called the vet this morning because I think Cupid is having an upset tummy. She prescribed some medicine I need to go pick up at the drugstore. He's going to the vet this evening to get his glucose rechecked. I'm thinking I'm going to buy a glucose meter soon, so I can check him at home. Milo is getting his second distemper shot, too. I hate that. I'm such a worrier......

THIS HUMAN NEEDS A NAP

So far, Cupid is still doing better. He ate enough kibble last night to make a dent in his bowl and leave some "floaties" in his water ! He stayed up and played this morning after his meds and soup. God, it is so good to see him play again and look happy. This is a huge relief ! (We love you, Dr. Dori !!) Cupid still occasionally has a very slight cough, but it is nothing compared to how it was. And he is still sleeping a lot, but that is to be expected. Long naps are not unusual for him, anyway, he loves a good snooze...

I have to say that this ordeal has been exhausting, both mentally and physically. I'm putting a lot of energy into taking care of my sick fuzzy and make sure the others get the attention they need, too. I'm not doing much around taking care of myself, though. I need to find some routine and balance before I end up sick, too. As it is, I'm dealing with a couple of my own health issues. Now that Cupid is much better, perhaps I can relax a little and not totally consume myself with worry and fear.

I'm gonna think like a ferret and take a nap !!

SENSEI NIBBLES KIBBLE !

Finally, finally...Cupid ate a little bit of his regular food last night ! I am hesitantly encouraged ! I'm going to try taking his Duck Soup feedings down to twice per day, instead of the three times I've been giving. Perhaps he will be more willing to munch on his dry food.

With the insulinoma, I'm going to have to continue to feed him Duck Soup twice a day with his Prednisone. And because his sleeps so much more and is less active, he probably will never pig out. But he needs to get to a place where he is willing to eat and drink on his own.

Neither one of us is ready to give up...

A BETTER DAY

I've seen an improvement in Cupid over the last day. He started drinking water out of his bowl on his own (EUREKA !!!). He is also up playing some of his favorite games (sack and ball). He seems to be much happier and more comfortable. He's even tolerating baby Milo's pounces and piggy-back rides.

He's taken a couple of tiny bites of his kibble, but I'm still giving him the Duck Soup with Carnivore Care mixed in. This morning he asserted himself and refused to eat the soup, so I don't know if he's finally getting tired of it or he's wanting back on his original schedule. :? I moistened his kibble a little bit before I put him to bed last night and, although it doesn't appear that he touched it, I believe the Lasix has finally started working and he may be on the cusp of getting back to his old self again. (Every night when I put him to bed I say a little prayer that he'll get better!) I'm anxious to get home from work today to see if he ate, and I pray that he did !!

The other five fuzz-guys are just being so sweet with him. They go check on him, cuddle up and sleep with him and groom him. They know their Sensei is feeling bad and it is so moving to see them try to comfort him. (photo below: George is clearly worried about Cupid)

I continue to cherish every moment with Cupid. This is the gift he has given me: Cherish every moment with those I love.....because life is fleeting.

FERRET 101

There's a lot of great information via books and the internet which cover ferret basics, history, health, behavior, etc. But, since this is a blog about ferrets, it behooves me to put in my own two cents worth.

At first glance, people may think that a ferret is a rodent, like a mouse or hamster. In truth, ferrets are not rodents at all, but carnivores (meat-eaters). They are in the mustelidae family, which they share with the wolverine, sea otter, skunk, weasel and polecat. The domesticated ferret's wild cousin, the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), is one of the world's most endangered species (see pic). It is thought that ferrets were kept as pets in Egypt, even before cats. Pictures drawn on Egyptian tombs depict ferret-like critters being walked on leashes.

The word "ferret" comes from a Latin word, meaning "thief". Thus, they are appropriately named, because they will definitely steal your keys, your wallet, your socks, your spaghetti noodles....and your heart. The official scientific name is Mustela putorius furo, which, loosely translated means "stinky mouse-killing thief". Personally, I prefer to call them "fuzzbutt" or "silly weasel".

This brings me to the "stink factor". Ferrets have scent glands near the anus, which is true of all carnivores. If they are startled or feel threatened, they will release a strong, musky odor, which will dissipate fairly quickly. If a ferret is purchased from a pet store, they will have their scent glands removed. They still have a slight body odor from their skin oils, however, which, again, is no different than Mr. Kitty or Fido. Proper grooming (keeping the ears clean and not bathing them too much), regular washing of their bedding and keeping the litter boxes clean will keep any odor under control. A few of us ferret-lovers happen to like the way their ferrets smell !

Ferrets are actually very clean little critters. I observe mine taking the time to wash their feet and face after they eat. They will use the litter box, newspaper or puppy pads most of the time (but be prepared for a surprise every now and then). Personally, I prefer the use of puppy pads and newspaper, as opposed to litter boxes. I dislike the smell, inconvenience and mess the litter makes and it's a lot easier for me to just pick up the soiled paper and put a clean one down.

A normal healthy ferret will sleep an average of 18 - 20 hours per day, with bursts of activity in the morning and again in the evening. Two or more ferrets will sleep in a pile and they love to burrow in soft, warm, dark places (such as your laundry basket). It's very cute, but ferret owners must quickly learn to check the couch cushions and blanket heaps to avoid a serious ferret injury. Recliners are very dangerous and can crush a ferret.

Ferrets need a minimum of "out-of-cage" time of four hours per day. This means having a ferret-proofed home (think of a two-year-old that can climb and squeeze behind the refrigerator). Unless you have an entire room you can devote to your ferrets and allow them to run around, forget having House Beautiful. The decor will be more of the tubing, cardboard box, jingle ball motif. Put your antique tea pot your grandmother gave you in the china cabinet and not on the coffee table. If you don't want little ferret teeth marks in your new Nikes, put 'em in the closet. My fuzzbutts love candles, and will chew the wax. It's been a learning curve, but now I've learned to think like a ferret. The few candles I now have are out of reach.

The cage your ferret lives in (when not out) needs to be large enough for him to move around comfortably. It should have a hammock, sleep sack and soft blankets, a water bottle and crock, food bowl and litter area. Purchase a cage made specifically for ferrets. There are a variety of quality ferret cages available in a broad price range.

Ferrets make fun, loving and loyal pets. But they aren't for everybody. They need the attention and care just like a dog or cat. They can make you laugh or push your patience. The key to finding the best pet for you is knowledge. Do your research so that you and your pet will have a long and happy relationship.

REMEMBER!! PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WHO CHARGE "REHOMING FEES" FOR THEIR UNWANTED PETS! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER OR RESCUE!