Nyssa is now in charge

Nyssa, like Lady Ayeka, has been suffering from lymphoma. In fact just over a week ago I thought Nyssa was the one at death's door. Well... Dr. Rosing had other ideas and after injections of vetalog and thiamine Nyssa's appetite returned. She remained low energy, though, running perhaps 15-20 minutes per night. She has gained weight and looks good again. She acts like her old self, the same Nyssa I have known and loved for nearly seven years now.

Nyssa ran for about 90 minutes Tuesday night after Ayeka passed away. She also thrashed Zephry, Ella, and Chin Soon so that everyone knew that sick or not she is now in charge. Ella had other ideas and challenged Nyssa twice after that. The last time Ella ran screaming. I think Nyssa may have drawn blood on her. I know it can't last long but for the moment Nyssa has what she clearly has wanted for a very long time: she's the alpha.

Ella tried to challenge Nyssa tonight as well. She didn't fare any better even though Nyssa was pretty low energy again. Nyssa is not going to give up the ferret-in-charge position easily. Sadly Ella may not have that long to wait to take over.

Oh, and yes, Ella and Zephyr arrived two weeks ago. They are absolutely wonderful ferrets who treat Romana and Chin Soon like long lost sisters. The feeling seems to be mutual and they are acting like a bonded quartet. Nyssa, who was very bonded to Ayeka, is pretty aloof around the newcomers but sleeps with Romana and is clearly still very attached to her.

So now it's a business of five.

I still can't believe Lady Ayeka is gone.

Goodbye Lady Ayeka (1998-2005)

Monday night at the end of ferret playtime the last one awake and running around was Lady Ayeka. I knew she wasn't feeling well last night and didn't want to eat but she still did her usual play. I got her to the vet on Tuesday afternoon.

There was no talk of saying goodbye, rather changing meds to get her diarrhea back under control and the same injections Nyssa got to stimulate her appetite. Lady Ayeka fought those injections with lots of energy and strength. She went in the carrier with Nyssa for the ride home.

When I brought them in Nyssa wanted out of the carrier something fierce. A minute later I knew why. Ayeka's body was already cooler than it should be. She had passed away asleep in the hammock on the way home.

I was in shock. I knew the lymphoma would take her life eventually. I didn't expect it to be now, so suddenly.