Sweetpea & Weasel

Sweetpea and Weasel's former owner was forced to find a new home for his babies on January 11th, 2003. He brought his beloved babies to the sanctuary for a visit, wanting to be sure we would be really good to them. He made certain they would stay here with us and not go anywhere else before he ever surrendered them. It was an emotional day for all because we had just lost our sweet Benjamin that day, too....

So many precious babies are just dumped here and the former owner just walks/runs away forever... not so with Austin!! He truly loves these guys  and has been back to visit them, even bringing his sister to meet us!!! They have offered to volunteer on occasion (and we sure haven't turned them down!!!)

Pictured above are Sweetpea (in Lexi`s arms) and Weasel (being held by Austin).

UPDATE (by Zoo): January 26th, 2004

I actually thought we`d get through January without losing one.

Sweetpea was a wonderful 7 year old cuddler, surrendered with his 6 year old brother Weasel last year. He never bit toes, picked fights with the other ferrets, or pooed on the floor. He was a total joy. He had a beautiful coat for a 7 year old and appeared quite healthy, except for a slight weight loss during the last week.

Yesterday he couldn`t urinate. He couldn`t be manually expressed and there was a thickening of the bladder wall. The tap gave temporary relief, but it revealed some very nasty stuff. Surgery would not have been curative. He was crying with every breath. He was released from his pain at 9:30 p.m.

Visitation was today. Weasel and the group seemed to understand. They are not looking for him anymore...

I hate cancer.

Love, Zoo