Chance (12/11/1999 - 10/18/2004)
Chance used to be my most difficult ferret. He wouldn't give me kisses, he
wouldn't use the litter box, he would bite me on the calf. I chalked all that
up to the situation he came from. Since adopting this beautiful boy, he has
become very trusting of me, and I feel like I've finally gained his love (after
all, he's had mine since I got him).
I got Chance at the same time I got Vera. The story of how the foster mom
came across Chance and Vera always makes me sad. What happened is that someone saw
Chance and Vera's previous (more abusive) owner dumping something over by a lake
in Raleigh. This kind-hearted citizen went to investigate what had happened and
found Chance and Vera. Their previous owner must have thought you could just let
ferrets out into the wild, and they would be fine. This is simply not true. Had this
good samaritan not investigated what was going on, Chance and Vera would surely
have died since domesticated ferrets do not have hunting instincts. Anyway, this
person brought Vera and Chance to a clinic in Raleigh where the foster mom picked them
up. She kept them for about 9 months before I answered the ad wanting them.
At first, Chance didn't want much to do with me. I don't think I blame him,
considering what his previous owner did. But regardless of his reluctance to
accept me as his mommy, he accepted my home as his own and even accepted Noodle
as his overly-energetic new brother. Noodle always incites Chance to fight, but he
can't beat Chance. Chance just lets him get in a few good "punches" and then puts
Noodle in his place. Sometimes he would forget that I'm not a ferret and bite me
on the calf trying to incite some play from me. Ferrets bite each other a lot
harder than they do humans, but unfortunately, Chance had never learned the difference.
After much patience, my boy finally knows not to bite hard, only "go" in the litter
box, and has even started showing me affection.
The best gift I ever received came from Chance. A few weeks after Christmas I got
him out of the cage to have some playtime. I kissed his nose like I always do, and
he gave me a kiss back. Chance had never voluntarily kissed me before (although I
had tricked him once or twice). I couldn't believe he finally trusted me so much.
So, his difficulty was well worth the end result and now I can get kisses from my
boy. As long as I don't try all the time.
My Chancey left me on October 18, 2004. After his adrenal surgery, he was diagnosed with
lymphoma. I knew that eventually I would have to make the tough decision of letting him
go. Towards the end, he couldn't walk without staggering, and he wouldn't eat kibble
(although, I could still get him to indulge in chicken gravy). But I won't let his
sickness be the way I remember him. While he was beautiful at the end having regained
his hair after the adrenal surgery, I will remember him when he danced with his friends.
I know he is waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge with Winkwomp. Now, he is dancing
without pain and waiting for me. I miss my Chauncé. Rest in peace, my little French boy.
If you would like to read my poem about Chance, please click here.
Click here to see Chance's memorial notes. Thank you
for your support in my time of grief.
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