That Smith

Laura and I are upset because we recently suffered a loss in our family.

My ferret Sneaker suddenly became ill a few days ago and passed away late last night.

Ferrets typically have a life span of 7 – 9 years, but only if they do not fall victim to one of two diseases common in ferrets between ages 2 and 3. Sneaker was 2 years old.

Laura and I discovered she wasn’t herself on Thursday and spent quite a bit of our “emergency funds” getting her tested and treated for anemia on Friday. The vet said she had less than 10% of her red blood cell count and probably wouldn’t make it through the night.

I didn’t want to lose her, so we did what we could to treat her and she lived for 4 more days before becoming too weak and passing on. She wasn’t in any pain, but did not care to eat or play either.

Sneaker had a special talent for cheering me up and making me smile whenever I was depressed or unhappy. To me she was more like my little girl than a pet, and now that she is gone I am upset even more because nothing will ever fill that void like she did.

Her passing was the first time in my life I have lost a close pet, and the first time I have lost a family member or a loved one in a long while. Because of her death, Laura and I are reminded once again how precious and rare life is.

Her passing has made me regret working so much rather than spending more time with my close friends and family. It also makes me wish even more that I had a good digital or video camera so I can capture finite moments such as these.

I would like to thank Laura and her sister Sarah for all they did for Sneak in her final few days. To Sneaker and everyone else, I am sorry I have not been there more.

I love you Sneaker and will always remember you.

Sneak is survived by her brother Peeker – who keeps looking for her – and her pet gerbil.