Once again, thank you all for such nice replies.

Yesterday we got the results back from the biopsy of part of Larry's intestine. And get this... even the lab wasn't positive what it was! They couldn't make up their mind if it was the start of lymphoma or just a bad bacterial infection. Either way, I feel this was unpreventable. I'm just glad he didn't appear to suffer very long.

In other news, Jill is now inhabiting the entire ferret cage. We cleaned up Larry's section and opened it up to Queen Jillian. She is now spoiled with a cage taller than I am -- all to herself! Everyone keeps telling us that Jill needs a friend, but I feel she will fine. Larry was usually too rough to play with her, so his passing hasn't affected her much. We did wash up Larry's old hammock, and ever since then it has become Jill's hammock of choice.

Oh! I believe Larry might have been channeling through Jill last night. I was arranging something in her cage when she reached out and gave me a nip on the arm. She then jumped back and gave me the orneriest look. The bite certainly didn't hurt, and it made me laugh so hard. She had never done that before and it reminded me so much of Larry. Who knows, she might just be protective of her new "mansion"... I will still say Larry had something to do with it.

Quote Originally Posted by Queen of Poop View Post
You've done a wonderful tribute to King Larry. I apologize for not replying sooner, however Larry's loss had stirred up the emotions from the loss of my 4 ferret boys. Especially the empty cage. That about killed me. I'm glad you have Jill to help heal your heart.

Aren't ferrets just awful? They worm their way into your heart, they're so adorable with their ferrety ways, but they don't let on they're sick until there isn't much you can do. It is not your fault, there likely wouldn't have been much you could have done if you'd found out about his illness sooner. I believe Larry was 6ish. At that age when something goes wrong, it's generally bad so don't beat yourself up. You gave him a wonderful 6 years, try to focus more on that than the manner of his passing.

I am very, very sorry for your loss.
I completely understand, and my heart goes out to you. Not many on PT seem to have owned ferrets, and I know you know how the loss of Larry truly feels (except fourfold for you). Ferrets are such special little creatures and they have forever changed my life.

If you ever need to talk I am just a quick PM away.