Noodle (5/15/2001 - 8/22/2005)

Noodle is my first ferret. He is the one responsible for making me fall head-over-heels for these bundles of energy. Noodle is such a happy-go-lucky ferret that I can be assured his antics will cheer up any glum day. How did I get to the point of wanting ferrets? Well, it all started when one of my old acquaintances worked in a pet store for a summer job.

I started frequenting this store after I graduated from UNC. As I already stated, I really love animals, and I was looking to get a nice furry companion to keep me company. At the time, I was living with a girl whose boyfriend was allergic to cats, so I decided to look for something that wouldn't make any guests break out in hives. That's when I first got to know about ferrets. I thought they were the most adorable little animals, and after reading up on them, they weren't the horrible creatures everyone said they were. In fact, they are probably smarter than most dogs and much more fun to play with.

Eventually, I knew I had to have one of these little guys. I went to the pet store with my acquaintance (he could get me a discount), and I chose the ferret I really wanted. Getting him was an adventure in itself. After choosing Noodle, I went to get the supplies I would need for proper ferret care. When I got done gathering up the supplies, I went back to the front of the store to get the new member of my family. Just at the moment I lifted him from the cage, some guy began making a big scene about how that was the ferret he was getting. I had already shown Noodle to the salesperson, and I had picked him out the day before getting him. I was so taken aback that someone was trying to take my ferret that I couldn't speak. After all, there were five other cute fuzzies to choose from. Finally, I found my voice and told him that I had already picked him out. The salespeople backed me up, and this customer ran out of the store pouting. Oh well, I got the ferret that was meant for me, and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

I really bonded with Noodle right away. The first night I got him home, he was a little scared of sleeping on his own. He woke me up in the middle of the night crying. However, once he knew I was still there with him, he settled down, and he hasn't cried since. He quickly picked up on all the things I trained him to do (not to chew on wire, litter box training, etc.). Now, when I get him out of the cage, he dances with joy and covorts around the room. He's the bully of my crew and demands respect and attention. And who couldn't give this little boy their undivided attention?

My Noodle left me on August 22. I was very broken hearted by his passing. He was my first ferret, the one who started the madness. If it wasn't for Noodle and his wonderful personality, I'm not sure I would have gotten so attached to these animals. I hope he's dancing at the bridge. During the weeks before he died, he had become to weak to dance, although he still liked to get up and play. Dance on, little one. And play with Roly until your heart's content.