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thank you hurricanebonnie for the use
of this beautiful pic, I hope you don't mind that I kept it
from the email you sent out
The
Rainbow Bridge
Just
this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When
an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills
for all of our special friends so they can run and play
together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our
friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been
ill and old are restored to health and vigor, those who were
hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The
animals are happy and content, except for one small thing,
they miss someone very special to them, who had to be left
behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when
one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright
eyes are intent, his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he
begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his
legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and
when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The
happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the
beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of
your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from
your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....
Author
Unknown
Ferret's
Bill of Rights
The ferret has the right to life. In those instances where
euthanasia is seen as the only moral and ethical option, then
it is to be performed with dignity and compassion and in a
painless manner.
The ferret has the right to professional veterinary care and
treatment, as well as medical treatments that prevent disease,
such as heartworm, rabies and distemper, among others.
The ferret has the right to clean water and nutritious food,
presented in a sanitary manner.
The ferret has the right to live in a clean and stimulating
environment commensurate to its intelligence and curiosity.
The ferret has the right to positive physical contact with
people and other ferrets.
The ferret has the right to daily exercise and to explore its
environment.
The ferret has the right to be a ferret, neither a dog nor a
cat.
The ferret has the right to live in a secure and stress-free
environment, which includes places to hide when sleeping.
The ferret has the right to be bred in a safe, moral and
ethical manner, with the assurance offspring from such
breeding will also be treated ethically and morally.
The ferret has the right to defend itself when afraid, without
fear of judgment or reprisal.
10
Commandments of a Responsible Ferret Guardian
1. My
life is likely to last 5-10 years; any separation from you
will be painful. When you decide to make me part of your life,
let it be forever. If at some time in our lives you cannot
keep me, make sure that my new home will provide what I need
and will supply the love, care, and socialization I crave.
2. Let me teach you to understand me and what I need from you.
I will test you from time to time to make sure you remember
the lessons.
3. Keep me safe and secure. Protect me from others that would
harm me. I depend on you. You are my lifeline.
4. Talk to me and cuddle me.
Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice
when it is speaking to me; it is as enjoyable to my
ears as birds sweetly singing are to yours. Your gentle touch
is as warm as the soft rays of the sun.
5. I need fresh nutritional food and fresh water, warm clean
blankets to cuddle in during winter, cool clean blankets to
lie on in the heat of the summer. My litter box and cage
should be cleaned daily. Hugs and social time each and every
day. Do no put me in a cage outside. I belong inside with my
family.
6. I will make many mistakes. I am not perfect. Be gentle when
you correct me. You have your work, friends, your
entertainment; I only have you.
7. Don't get angry with me. I am an intelligent, joyous,
curious creature and WILL get into things. Know that this is
how I am. I am not trying to be destructive. I depend on you
to watch out for me and protect me from danger.
8. Never hit me or shake me. I am small and can be hurt very
easily. When you are angry with someone or something else, do
not take it out on me. I have nothing to give you but love and
joy. This is my true nature.
9. Take special care of me, as I grow older. You too will grow
old. I may play less
but I still love you just as much as when I was young enough
to dance. Monitor me closely for I will experience ailments,
as I grow older.
10. When I no longer enjoy life and I am in pain with no
relief, please stay with me till the end. I have given you my
life and love. Don't disappoint me in my last moments here on
this earth. Go with me on the difficult journey. Never say,
"I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in
my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are
there. Tell me that you love me and hold me close. Let my
passing be gentle.
Always remember that I love you.
A
Ferrets lil Prayer
Understand
me and I will be your loving pet.
I am not a rodent, but a carnivore.
I am not a wild animal, but a companion to man,
domesticated between the time of the dog and the cat.
Feed me as a cat, but only with dry food for clean teeth.
Keep litter boxes handy, and I will learn to use them.
Take me along as a dog, but with a leash or carrier so I do
not get lost.
Do not leave me outdoors; I have no wild survival instincts.
Confine or watch me like a small child,
because I am curious and like to get into things.
Discipline when needed with words and soft actions,
because sudden force causes me to defend myself.
I am a little thief, give me soft socks to steal and hide,
instead of rubber toys to chew and swallow.
Let me visit the doctor as you would any family member,
for a health check and vaccinations yearly.
Have me spayed or neutered; I have no need to reproduce
to add to the pet overpopulation.
Handle me daily, and I will be your loyal friend for many,
many years.
I am fearless and friendly. I have personality. I seek
companionship.
If you cannot give me that, then please pass me by.
Last
Will and Testament of a Ferret
I
am your friend the ferret, because the weight of my years and
frailty of my body are upon me, and because I realize the end
is near, I hereby do leave you my last will and testament.
My
material things do not add up to much, for who has the most
possessions is a flaw of humans not of animals. The only thing
of value I can leave you is love, compassion and trust. These
I leave to all who have loved me, but particularly to my
mistress who will grieve for me the most. Being a ferret I am
naturally lovable, I mean not to boast, but to list all that
have loved me would take days.
I
ask my mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for
too long. I have tried to comfort her in sorrow and chuckle
with her in joy. While no ferret has had a happier life, I
have grown old and slow with age and feel it is time to say
goodbye and go on with my great journey to ferret heaven. It
is a sorrow to leave my mistress, but to die I do not fear.
There
is a place I believe where ferrets can run free and have all
the Ferretone and raisins they want. Where we can sun on our
hammocks and dig in the dirt with no fear of other animals or
ignorant humans that may harm us. And where I can glow in the
love and warmth of my mistress.
My
last request is that my mistress continues her life filled
with ferrets for they do bring her such joy and she loves them
one and all, even the self-willed ones. It would be a poor
tribute for her never to have another ferret. Even the dogs
and cats she loves so she must she must keep on loving. Though
not as perfect as a ferret they also bring her joy.
One
last word of goodbye. Dearest mistress, whenever you think of
me say to yourself, with great regret but also with joy and
love in your heart, at the remembrance of a long and happy
life with you: She loved me unconditionally and I loved her
the same. No matter how far I seem I shall always be in your
heart. The power of death cannot keep me from doing the ferret
dance of joy when you call my name. And when it is your turn
to leave this world I will be waiting at the gates of heaven
to show you the way and welcome you to OUR new home.
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