Gone….But Not Forgotten

Yesterday morning, as I was cleaning our ferret’s cage, I found that one of the babies had left us for her heavenly home over the rainbow bridge.

We’re not sure what happened, we do know that she wasn’t eating as much as Dakota, and she wasn’t putting on any weight. Her stool never solidified, it was always runny. After calling the pet store, they are going to replace her for us. She said that sometimes babies just don’t make it through all the stress of leaving their mom, and all the traveling from the farm to the pet store.

Dakota was beside herself trying to find her cage buddy…they always slept together..nestled together in warmth. Dakota has moved herself from the top part of the cage where she and Aeon hung out, to the bottom section of the cage where Domino is. While her and Domino don’t sleep together, I think Dakota misses Aeon, and just wants to be near another buddy. I hope Dakota will bond with the new baby we get.

The kids were both a little sad, but seemed to handle it pretty well. They asked a lot of why questions…I don’t think they understand how you can lose a baby..someone who was supposed to be with us for 7 years or so. They took some solace in that we will get another baby, soon.

In dedication to Aeon, our beloved dark-eyed friend, who left too soon, here is the story of Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called 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 each 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 quivers. 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 Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…