Our ferret Gizmo could make you smile with the simplest of actions. She'd follow you all over the house, undeterred by the walls and corners she couldn't see, and perk her head up almost to ask "Whee! Where are we going now?". And man how she loved a fresh potato. Put a potato on the ground and she'd try to drag it to one-of-her-many secret hiding spots.
She was curious and playful. She used to love sitting in my suitcase before I'd leave for a trip and I'd pull her around the house. When I'd stop she'd jump out and dook and dance for a spell then climb back in for another ride. There were a couple times she almost ended up on a plane with me!
Oftentimes when you picked Gizzy up she'd climb right to the top of your shoulder and just sit there, perched on high sharing your view. She might even give you a kiss or nestle up in your hair. Her fur was so soft against your cheek and the heat of her body against your neck was calming.
On walks, Gizmo was always the ferret to find her way home first. She'd walk side by side with you. And I know you think I'm making this next part up, but yes, she also knew how to heel: stopping on a dime and waiting for my lead.
She was a great companion, a teacher, and a wonderful sister to Olive. I'm going to miss hearing them play in the mornings: running through the ferret tubes under our bed, or the pitter patter of her little feet scurrying across our floor, or feeling her lick my arms while I meditated by the fireplace.
She had complications from adrenal gland surgery and died peacefully in her sleep.
Gizmo, you are dearly missed but you continue to warm our hearts with your memories. I still cannot wipe away the smile of joy you gave us even amongst these tears of loss. Thank you for your friendship. We love you!
* illustration by lindha boberg
Beautiful words about a
Beautiful words about a beautiful friend. Beautiful memories. Beautiful.
This was really nice, Matt,
This was really nice, Matt, thanks for writing it. Sending love your way!
:(
We just heard the news.
Sorry to hear about her passing.
It's never easy to loose a loved one.
That is very nice Matt. We
That is very nice Matt. We will all miss her but she shared so much joy with everyone that won't be forgotten. I'm thinking about you guys! :)
Gizmo taught a lot of people
Gizmo taught a lot of people about ferrethood, didn't she? I know how much she meant to you two. When I've had to "release" other creatures, I utter two little words: "Spirit away." Peace and hugs, dear friends, and thanks for sharing this part of your lives with us.
Gizzy
Matt, what sweet poetry flows from your attachment to Gizmo. I believe all good relationships can be eternal, and your and Cor's with your dear ferrets certainly qualify! Peace and comfort to you all.
Bob
Thanks everyone for your
Thanks everyone for your encouragement. Gizmo rocked, we miss her, but I can't tell you how many times I still find myself laughing out loud from memories that flood back of our time with her! My current favorites memories are:
- We used to have the treats adjacent to the stairs in our old house. She taught herself and her little ferret body to climb the stairs, drop off the side and land onto the cabinet to grab her treats. We just ended up putting her food bowl there so Olive wouldn't eat her food too. Ollie didn't learn that trick.
- Gizmo knew how to open the ferret carrier we have for going on car trips. She'd take her paw and pull the door towards her. Later, she broadened this technique to push open say, the door to our bathroom!
thanks for writing that
thanks for writing that matt. we are thinking of you guys and praying for you. giz is so lucky to have had such wonderful people to love her.
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