Goodbye, Fifi

Fifi the ferret passed away sometime last night or early this morning. We finished burying her a short while ago. The house seems quieter without her little presence.





Actually, for a creature weighing three pounds, she had a big personality and made her presence known. She adored rubber, plastic, granola bars, white gravy. peanut butter, pop tarts, and knocking over drinking glasses (when full, of course).





Emeline adored her. Fifi in return was surprisingly gentle and tolerant of our child. She never once bit Emeline. It took me awhile to warm up to her, since animals don't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, she stole stuff all the time and even though she was litter trained, she got lazy and would leave messes. She loved Emeline, and it's not in my heart to hold a grudge when a pet or person loves my child.

Yep, you are seeing this right.

Nothing like stinking up fresh laundry

When I was pregnant with Emeline, and vomiting to the point that I expelled bile, Fifi would come check on me. She would come lick my feet and then lay on them. It was unusual behavior. As a typical ferret, she was usually hyperactive and only still when sleeping.

She made a nest. That was my favorite white sweater.

Caught them in the shower together

When Emeline got old enough to crawl, the Fifi humored Emeline's attempts to chase her down and allowed herself to be caught every now and then. As Emeline got older, she liked to cradle Fifi in her arms like a baby doll. The ferret was surprisingly tolerant of this treatment.

Pretending to be caught

Caught sneaking food right out of the bag

Of course, Gene loved her the most. That was his baby. He carried her on his shoulder, took her for walks, shared his biscuits and gravy with her, looked the other way when she stole some of his rockstar drink, let her give him kisses (barf) and even let her drink out of his water glass (ick). It surprises me to this day that we are married.

Two addicts

How many times did Gene have to re-do the dishes?

Going for the baby's bottle

She lived six years, and even though Gene and Emeline wish she could have had more time, I think it was a good lifespan considering she was the runt. She slowed down a lot the past few months, and the past week was difficult. We bought special food and did all we could to make her comfortable. Thankfully she is not suffering anymore.

Favorite blanket. Boy, was it ugly.

Adding a plastic bag to a nest under the cabinet

Mischief in a three pound package

Emeline cried a lot, though she doesn't quite understand it all. It's hard to see her grow up and learn about the world. Innocence is so precious. Sadly, it is short lived and it grieves me as a mom.