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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 12, 2009 15:09:42 GMT -5
So...what was Miss (S)tinkerbelle's choice of food ? I am SO happy to hear that she turned the corner. It made my day, in fact ! I KNEW you were going to bring her around. The determination in your voice was there when we spoke. Sometimes, that is all it takes. Like I said the other day, as long as they can lift their little heads, there is HOPE. Looks to me as if you changed someone's life. Good going Lorri, Karen & Tommy ! Rose
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Post by momto2 on Mar 12, 2009 16:16:47 GMT -5
' Maybe it's the budding romance that's making her eat!' Maybe not, I always lost weight when the romance was budding! Almost 14 years later (and 40#)... So glad they are all doing better Lorri, you are up there on my go to list! G
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Post by Lorri on Mar 12, 2009 16:39:05 GMT -5
It was the 8-in-1 Ultra. I don't give this one to my guys. I use 8-in-1 Ultimate, and Zupreem with Pro Plan (kitten). So, I bought the Ultra specifically for Tink because her previous owner said that was one of the foods that she "loved". She said that she ate all types of food but as we all know, ferrets are very picky about their food. I'm just glad that she's eating and she is one of those messy eater too, She has to knock the food out of her bowl. I just have to get her to eat the vite now. I have to tell you Rose, you and Bea are really what kept me going. You both are so inspiring and I give you a lot of credit because it's not easy and you and your family open up your home and hearts to these babies. Your son is going to be such a better person for that. You worry about the "x factor" but you have nothing to worry about. Noah is going to be a great, loving person with a big heart. I have been following your instructions with Tyler as well and he is doing great. I always tell my new babies about you so they can't wait to meet Auntie Rose and Tink must meet Bea. Tink needs to know that naked is beautiful. Rose, you and I can start a knew club..."The Nakie Tribe". I can't tell you enough just how much I appreciate you and your help and kind words. You really did help me get through this very tough time. Love, Lorri P.S. We call her Stinky-Tinky too!! And not because she stinks!!
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Post by tiedyed69peace on Mar 13, 2009 7:47:19 GMT -5
Hey, don't knock a ferret that eats anything My rescue, Ava, I call "the dumpster" because she'll eat anything... even pieces of food out of a garbage bag filled with old food and dirty litter. Glad to hear Stinky Tinky's coming around. She looks so sweet!
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 13, 2009 8:31:55 GMT -5
All of my"bingo club" crew eats the 8 in 1 Ultra. I find that they just do better on it when it comes to digestion. They will eat other food-but the protien & fat content is higher, and I am always concerned about the fat taxing the liver & the protien taxing the kidneys. Bea has been eating it since she came, and she's just an incredible little girl ! 2 years with adrenal cancer hasn't slowed her down one bit. She wakes up every day at 6:00am-has her breakfast & literally patrols all 5 levels of the BIG cage, and makes sure everyone is clean. If someone needs grooming- she holds them down and cleans them up ! When my Ellis was in trouble, she scratched at the cage like a lunatic until she got my attention. She's my little sentry ! She's got to be close to 10 now, and that's a light estimate. She may even be a bit older for all we know... Don't worry about the 'vite. It'll come-or perhaps she just doesn't like it. I find that a few of mine just don't like it. Noah has a very special black hooded/tuxedo named Murcar that gags when he smells it. He's only 2 yrs old and VERY healthy. He just thinks it's gross ! Always has-we took him out a nasty pet store when he was just 6 weeks old. He was very skinny & sick when her first came, and now he's a roly-poly ! But he hates 'vite ! Are you also doing the B-12/Folic Acid for Tink? It would be good for her in lieu of the 'vite, especially b/c the woman who had her before you saved her wasn't feeding her enough. I am THRILLED that everyone is doing well. YOU did it all. I just told you about my experiences, and sent a little bit of hope your way !
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Post by Lorri on Mar 13, 2009 10:56:05 GMT -5
All of my babies love the 8-in-1 Ultra and I had a very difficult time switching them to the Ultimate. They were going to town yesterday on the Ultra because I left it out in the play area for Tink. Tink is still eating a lot of her dry food but we are still doing all of the other things to get her stronger. I was not giving her the B-12, just Tyler but I will start giving it to Tink as well. It's so weird because since day one all I have been doing is going after Tink with a syringe but she still trusts me and lets me love her up too. She doesn't back away from me which is what I though would happen. Is there anything that I should be doing directly to Tink's skin? It's very soft (like Bea's) but it's a little dry so I just want to make sure that I am doing everything possible for her. I didn't know that Bea was 10+ years old. I did know that she wasn't responding to chemo, but I also know that she's a fighter and one tough cookie. Tink is tiny like Bea and so beautiful like Bea; Bea is such an inspiration. Tink and Bea have to meet one day and share stories. I have to say....this has been one tough week and I am just so exhausted. Last night I was walking around smiling and I was so happy. Tommy said that it was good seeing me that way. He said that I was in bad shape all week and he felt helpless. I can breath a little now and I thank you so much for all of your support. So for right now, all of the fosters are doing good and they are on the road to recovery and living a happy, healthy, loving life. I will keep you posted and I will take some new pics soon and post them. Thanks again to all for your kind words, good advice, and prayers. Someone is watching over these babies.
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 13, 2009 13:35:48 GMT -5
Hi Lorri... I use olive oil on Bea's skin when it gets dry. She likes to get her "massage" and doesn't mind at all. I have also used Aveeno oatmeal bath too. Tink's fur will come back prob in the next shed cycle. Bunny was naked too, and now she's got a FULL coat. Yeah-Bea is an old lady ! She never responded to chemo-she just keeps on ticking & ticking ! I joke around & say, if the world blew up, the only survivors would be cockaroaches & Bea, and she'd probably eat them all !
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Post by Lorri on Mar 13, 2009 18:49:15 GMT -5
You are too funny !! Go Bea -- GIRL POWER !! When Karen first found Spunky, I made him a fancy hat (Sunday best) but Karen and Tommy always said that it was a woman's hat so I never even put it on him for pics. Although we have Bandita and Bella, the hat (style) never seemed to fit them. However, the hat seems to fit Tink perfectly and we can see Bea and Tink drinking tea together with the hats on. So....I will have to make one for Bea; hee, hee, hee. Tink is still eating dry food on her own and today she ate the home made duck soup (with the Uncle Jim's and Pedialyte) all by herself; no syringe. And she ate a good portion of it; the entire bowl. She's a tough cookie !! I have to talk about my Rock Stars now -- Angus and Tyler. They are adjusting so well. Angus is playing with my guys more and more each day and he did a little war dance again yesterday. I let my Rock Stars stay out of the cage for long periods of time because I think they spent most of their lives behind bars; ha, ha. When my guys run after Angus; sometimes he feels cornered so I go over to him and he looks at me with those big eyes and begs me to pick him up. He's such a good boy. Since Tyler is deaf, he uses his sight to get by. He follows me around and continually looks up at me for guidance. They like to sleep in the pet bed in my room and the pirate ship with all of the teddies piled on top of them. They wake up to go potty and Angus uses the nearest wee-wee pad. Tyler on the other hand walks all the way to my bathroom and goes in the shower like my guys do. Once he's finished, he looks up at me for approval. I pick him up, hold him to my chest and tell him that he's a good boy and I keep saying his name over and over for reassurance. I gave Tyler, Angus, and Tink an N-Bone today and Tyler ran with it all the way across my room and under my bed. He didn't even stumble or fall over. It was such a proud moment so of course a tear fell from my eye. He is such a sweetheart !! Angus took his and hid it under my bed. Tink was sleeping in the fish on my bedroom floor so I just placed the N-Bone on her. A few minutes later, Angus had his head in the fish with his butt sticking out. All of a sudden, he ran under my bed with Tink's N-Bone in his mouth. That little bugger stole Tink's N-Bone; she doesn't eat them anyway, but Angus is steeling from poor little Tink. These babies have given me such a great learning experience and although Tink really tested me this week, it just made me love them and appreciate them even more. I am so happy to have these babies in my life and I have to thank FN & MN for giving me this opportunity to care for their fuzzies. And Rose, you already know how I feel about you; you have been my savior. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing people. I love you guys so much!!! Sincerely, Lorri P.S. I'm going to try the olive oil on Tink tomorrow. Thanks again!!
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 13, 2009 22:51:22 GMT -5
FANTASTIC ! That is GREAT to hear ! I am so happy that everyone is thriving. Oh jeez.... I know how much it will test you-and so many times, I ask myself-do I have the chops to continue this...some will make it, and some will not. The answer at the end of the day is always-YES. You did a GREAT job Lorri ! I know you were tested this week, and you made it. On a side note, my hero is Dianne Fossey. She pissed off a lot of people, but SHE single handedly saved lives, and kept the lowland mountain gorillas from extinction. I could never stand in Ms. Fossey's shoes, but she inspires me. She was harsh-which may have led to her demise. Sometimes, I too am harsh in my words, but my heart is always there. I also may have ticked off some folks here too, as I may be too forward with my opinions, and a tad militant in my stance, but my heart is with the animals who have no voice. So, if I have ticked off anyone with my positions-it's simply my compassion b/c of what I do. I see the worst of the worst, and yes-it does affect me. To say it does not, would be a lie. I think maybe Bea is passing the torch to Tink. Today, I was joking around-saying that Bea could outlive an apocalypse-but I came home from work to let my crew out. Bea did not open her eyes, although she seemed to be sleeping. I tickled her belly and she woke up. She only opened one eye. I took her out to have a look, and it seems as if she's unable to see out of it. I figured, she may have an irriatation, but the pupil does not dialate with light. I administered Terramycin, but while I was doing that-I see-she has become blind in that eye. While I was holding her, I palpated her lymph nodes, and they're all swollen. The cancer has defintely metastasized, and it possibly has reached her brain, and the optic nerve. She gave me a lot of kisses tonight-Bea's not a kisser. She had a BIG meal, and layed back down in her hammy while her crew went out to play. I don't know, but perhaps she is saying goodbye. It has happened before-they say goodbye, and give a thank you kiss. I never expected she would be with us for so long, and I am grateful to have had such a fighter in my presence. I am playing the waiting game now, and will access her by the hour. If she is suffering in ANY way, I am prepared. I feel it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. Yes, I am sad that I will inevitably lose my little sentry- I never expected her to be with us for so long. But-I am the lucky one here. I had the ability to give her a good life-and I know she had a grand time here. She ran the roost after Angie died. Who will take over as the alpha female in the "big cage" remains to be seen. It may be Flower (another FN rescue) or Charlie Bear. I don't know yet, but life MUST go on at the sanctuary. An alpha female is needed in such a large business. We may lose her tonight, or it may be a few days-but I know she is reaching the end of her life as Bea, the ferret-saved by Keith & Evelyn in 2007. She may come back as a princess, a hard working woman, or a grasshopper basking in the grass. But I know, she had a damned good run here. She lived her life with a strength and spirit that is hard to come by. All I can hope for, is that some more of that fighting spirit is imparted on all of us. Lorri, I know this was HARD week for you. But you did it. You did something that SO many people would not have the chops to do. So....bless your heart. I know how hard it is-when you hold a life in your hands, and you wonder and you hope. Rose
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Post by Lorri on Mar 13, 2009 23:42:13 GMT -5
Oh no! I'm bawling. I'm praying that she can hang in there and that she isn't in any pain... I know you will do everything you can. Take care of that sweet little girl. I've actually been calling Tinkerbell Bea all night long. I don't know why; Karen had to correct me. It's so hard.. I'm sitting her feeding Tink as I read your post. Tink reminds me so much of Bea. I'm rooting for you both. You will be in our prayers tonight.
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 14, 2009 0:04:32 GMT -5
She's with me right now-I do not expect that she will make it through till morning. I am going to stay with her-she is ready to move on. She is not in any pain, she is sleeping in my arms.
Don't be sad, she's had such a good time here.
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Post by Lorri on Mar 14, 2009 0:13:43 GMT -5
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Post by poppy on Mar 14, 2009 0:35:42 GMT -5
Wow, you guys are amazing. I don't know how you do it! I can only aspire to do as good as you both... *sending good vibes as always* If any of you ever need any extra volunteer help...I think I'm less than 2 hours away. I would love to help however I can. : )
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 14, 2009 1:14:03 GMT -5
I did give her a big ol' kiss & hug for you Lorri. She left us a few minutes ago. I never expected that she would be here so long-nor did I expect her to leave us today. But I gotta say, she was one STRONG old girl. She passed very peacefully-she was ready to begin the next journey. I just wonder, what will I do without my little sentry now? Who will look after everyone every morning?
I have a BIG lump in my throat, and a pounder of a headache.
Poppy-thank you for your kind words, always. They mean a lot to me.
I am gonna have me a nice cry, take some Advil & get myself to bed.
Rose
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Post by Lorri on Mar 14, 2009 9:35:02 GMT -5
I am so sorry, Rose. I am here for you if you need ANYTHING.
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Post by pa2thdoc on Mar 14, 2009 11:43:08 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear about Bea. She had a great life with you, and showed it by giving you kisses. She was telling you that she was ready and not to worry about her because she has lots of playmates at the bridge waiting for her! She was so lucky to have you and your gang to make make her happy and oh, so loved!
I bet she'll be hired as sentry at the bridge. She earned it..
Bill
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Post by pixiepetal on Mar 14, 2009 12:36:58 GMT -5
Just reading this thread gave me so much hope, as some of you know my Gandalf was just diagnosed with Adrenal and insolinoma and it is also my first time going through it with these fuzzies. Reading this showed me how strong our sick kids can be, and also how WONDERFUL you folks are for taking such care of them! You are definantly wonderful ferrents! Tink seems like such a character, thank you for keeping us updated with her. I am also so sorry to hear about your Bea Rose, but from what I have heard she definantly got to live life the fullest and happiest with you. You have done everything and more for that tough lil girl and she was thanking you for everything and telling you how much she loves you too in kisses. We are keeping you in our thoughts. And thank you Lorri and Rose and all, for sharing your experiances and for all the help you provide.
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Post by crazyferretlady on Mar 14, 2009 21:12:23 GMT -5
Awww.... Rose I'm so sorry about Bea. She sure did her job and I'm sure she'll be very busy at the bridge cleaning ears and keeping the others in line. RIP Bea - you definitely deserve your rest!
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Post by momto2 on Mar 14, 2009 23:31:43 GMT -5
RIP Bea. I'm sorry Rose for your loss.
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 16, 2009 9:15:17 GMT -5
Thanks...she was a sweet old lady, and I am sure she's happy at the bridge. I miss her-but without a doubt, it was her time. She had a nice life here, and that's fine by me !
So, back to the original thread...
How's my (S)Tinkerbelle ? And of course-Angus & Tyler?
Rose
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Post by Lorri on Mar 16, 2009 13:10:57 GMT -5
They are all doing great.
Tinkerbell really loves the duck soup with the Uncle Jim's duck soup added in. She eats it on her own now; I no longer have to feed her with the syringe.
Angus is trying to fit in with all of my other babies but he's still a little scared. He's not used to groups of ferrets around him so when they are playing with him, I think he feels that they are ganging up on him. I give him a lot of play time out of the cage with just Tyler and Tink so that he can do his own thing and feel like this is his home. We just let them out and Angus was war dancing and dooking.
Tyler has my heart and he has a good grip on it. He is the sweetest ferret I ever met. When they first arrived, they looked so sad; especially Tyler. The sadness has left their little faces. Tyler stands on all fours in the cage and he tilts his head a little and he looks at me with those big eyes. It really looks like he's asking me if it's play time yet. I guess since he is deaf, he talks to me with his eyes. He is such a doll!
They improve every day; it is such a joy to watch.
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Post by Lorri on Mar 16, 2009 13:12:35 GMT -5
And yes, Rose. You did give Bea a great life. I know she appreciates it and is watching over you.
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Post by momto2 on Mar 17, 2009 6:59:20 GMT -5
What great stories about the babies. Keep them coming Lorri, they are so inspirational!
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Post by Lorri on Mar 17, 2009 15:01:11 GMT -5
So last night Angus and Tyler got a second wind when all of the other babies came out. Angus actually went in the tube and danced with Gizmo, and Angus wagged his little tail a few times.
Then I turned around and Tyler was in the middle of all of my other babies, and he was playing a little and slightly running.
Tinkerbell was sleeping the entire time in the fish on my bedroom floor. I took her out to feed her the duck soup and when she was done, she ran around the entire room to check everyone. Sound familiar Rose? When she finished, she went into the pirate ship and took a nap on top of Mango who was on top of Tyler.
My 2 yrs old nephew came over today to meet the fosters. He loves all of my animals so he went right up to them to give them kisses. When he approached Tink, Karen explained that she is sick and lost a little hair so don't be afraid. It didn't bother him at all and he laid a few wet ones on her. I took a few pics of them so I will post them later for all to see.
The only downside is with Gizmo. He is being a bully when it comes to Angus. He keeps trying to drag him by the neck and Angus screams. I run over to break them up and Angus runs right into my arms for safety. Other than that issue....everyone is doing great.
I will keep updating.
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Post by angiesong2000 on Mar 17, 2009 20:40:15 GMT -5
Hi There ! Don't worry about Gizmo & Angus-they'll sort it out. Gizmo is just showing him who is in charge. Good to hear everyone is doing well. That is so cute with your nephew ! Awww... I want to see more pics ! Tink sounds a lot like Bea-even down to the fish ! I am so happy she's doing so well, and eating well ! I am doing OK-the issue that I had with worrying about which female would take over has been sorted out. I am QUITE surprised who stepped up to the plate. It's Maya ! Maya is actually NOT a sanctuary kid, she came from a GREAT home, and is only about 3 yrs old. But...Maya is kind of a spoiled blonde bimbo ! She even came with her own bottle of Chanel No.5 (no joke) ! She was never the sharpest knife in the drawer-but she stepped up and is leading. She's doing a nice job too ! I am very proud of her. Glad to hear all is going well with you & the little guys ! Rose
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