All too soon I'm posting another memorial to a little, fuzzy buddy. The amazing, dancing, singing Barton passed on yesterday about 5 PM. He finally secumbed to lymphoma which he'd been battling (though he didn't know that fact) for 2.5 years. Quite remarkable actually. He had an extremely active and fun life. However, the fluid build up around his lungs finally kicked in and that was it. Barton was well-liked by everyone who met him except for the 'senior' ferrets who used him as a mop for about the first half of his life. It was a game, I'm sure, to see who would make Barty wet himself first. Once the mission was accomplished, tormentors would disappear -- mission accomplished. Then it was time for us to wipe him down... he spent a lot of time that first year being wet and damp from impromptu showers in the sink. Despite this rather rough treatment, they played nicely for the most part until someone went psycho. This is how Barty acquired his nickname: Piggy. When being tormented, he'd squeal like a pig being stuck, or bitten, and the name stayed with him. A pleasant personality and a real little character. He is missed by us and the other goobers will eventually figure out he's not hiding. We are down to three ferrets now. Looks as if another pair is going to be joining us soon. Best wishes to all. If you have friends fuzzy or not, don't take them for granted.