Post by Tressie on Sept 11, 2009 12:09:24 GMT -4
Linguini passed away last evening from heart failure. She had been on a waiting list for a pacemaker - unfortunately, her heart gave out before one could be transplanted.
Linguini came to me with her life-long companion Tortellini from the MaFF shelter. They were my first ferrets and began my profound love for the animal. Linguini celebrated her 6th birthday September 6, 2009.
Linguini was the Supreme Alpha - integrating Newbies into the business with a firm paw. However, she was deeply maternal and once they accepted her rule, she was nurturing and affectionate. She would lay down and stay with any ferret who was not feeling well. She kept order in the group and would discipline as necessary. Her authority was never questioned and her group adored her.
She had the ability to literally disappear - a skill she came with and never lost. I never did find her magic hiding spots but when I was on the verge of tears she would miraculously re-appear.
Of all the ferrets I have known, Linguini was a sensualist. She absolutely LOVED soft, freshly laundered bedding. She would roll around in it, sniffing the fabric and then curl up in it. She was particularly fond of silk scarves and velvety cushions.
Her high grade, 2nd degree block was diagnosed 2 months ago. She had been kept alive with 3-4 daily injections of heart medication. Unfortunately, last evening the medication stopped working. Dr. Benoit gave her another short-term acting medication to bring up her heart rate but it didn't work either. We knew she was dying at that point.
She was given two sedatives to ease her distress and allow her to die gently while her heart rate continued to drop. She stayed in my arms while I thanked her for honouring me with her presence and when her heart rate dropped to 24 bpm she received the final lethal injection. Her death was gentle - a good death.
Linguini leaves behind her life-long companion Tortellini, remaining members of her business - Cannoli, Dolcezze and Donnola. She will be joining two other members of her business who pre-deceased her, Tiramisu and Sampson.
Linguini will be sorely missed by her human mama. She taught me a great deal about her kind and set the bar very high in how to rule with benevolent kindness for all alphas that will follow her.
Sleep peacefully my sweet baby girl. Mama loves you.
Tressie
Linguini came to me with her life-long companion Tortellini from the MaFF shelter. They were my first ferrets and began my profound love for the animal. Linguini celebrated her 6th birthday September 6, 2009.
Linguini was the Supreme Alpha - integrating Newbies into the business with a firm paw. However, she was deeply maternal and once they accepted her rule, she was nurturing and affectionate. She would lay down and stay with any ferret who was not feeling well. She kept order in the group and would discipline as necessary. Her authority was never questioned and her group adored her.
She had the ability to literally disappear - a skill she came with and never lost. I never did find her magic hiding spots but when I was on the verge of tears she would miraculously re-appear.
Of all the ferrets I have known, Linguini was a sensualist. She absolutely LOVED soft, freshly laundered bedding. She would roll around in it, sniffing the fabric and then curl up in it. She was particularly fond of silk scarves and velvety cushions.
Her high grade, 2nd degree block was diagnosed 2 months ago. She had been kept alive with 3-4 daily injections of heart medication. Unfortunately, last evening the medication stopped working. Dr. Benoit gave her another short-term acting medication to bring up her heart rate but it didn't work either. We knew she was dying at that point.
She was given two sedatives to ease her distress and allow her to die gently while her heart rate continued to drop. She stayed in my arms while I thanked her for honouring me with her presence and when her heart rate dropped to 24 bpm she received the final lethal injection. Her death was gentle - a good death.
Linguini leaves behind her life-long companion Tortellini, remaining members of her business - Cannoli, Dolcezze and Donnola. She will be joining two other members of her business who pre-deceased her, Tiramisu and Sampson.
Linguini will be sorely missed by her human mama. She taught me a great deal about her kind and set the bar very high in how to rule with benevolent kindness for all alphas that will follow her.
Sleep peacefully my sweet baby girl. Mama loves you.
Tressie
my fuzzbutts!
. I know it is supposed to happen someday, but even if they live a decade it is still too soon. I will say a prayer for your beautiful Linguini.