From:
Christine Bertch
Date: 2001-11-13 23:04:00 UTC
Subject: re: when it's time and thank you's
First I have to agree that the insulinoma ferret in seizure probably
isn't feeling anything at all, but that doesn't make it any easier to watch.
One of the two I lost to insulinoma did slip "quietly" into a hypoglycemic
state that we couldn't get her out of, and Benji had several other
contributing conditions that he became very weak and was also probably in
that hypoglycemic state. The main thing is that you know the time is coming
sometime soon and you're trying to prepare yourself. There is no way to
know what it will be like losing your little one, and there is no
preparation for that realization that you must help him or her across the
bridge... What you can take comfort in is that, if you do have to make that
decision, they will no longer be in any pain ever.
My Benji also did some crying during sleeping, he only did it
occasionally and I could never connect it with anything specific. Also, on
his last day he would whine a little and sigh. I knew he was uncomfortable
then.
One other thing I'd like to point out is that every one of them can teach
us lessons in death and it's important that we pay attention to that. We
all can make mistakes when dealing with our sick animals, but we will do our
best and learn from them.
I'd like to say a brief thank you to those that sent condolences for my
loss of Benji: Troy Lynn, Harriett, Ronald, Lyal, and the 7 little "cousins"
of Benji. It means so much to know that not only do others care, but they
understand how special these beautiful little creatures are.
Christine