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From: prism_wolf
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 07:55:09 -0400


Card from CustardPie:
Thinking of You

The Silhouette

The silhouette stands boldly
At the end of the hallway
Ears erect, eyes like jewels
The tail, it softly sways.
This wouldn’t be the first time
I’ve seen him stand nearby,
Winkwomp's image clear as crystal
From the corner of my eye.
His image I don’t share with some
Who think I’ve went over and beyond
The grieving time they think I need.
They say I should move on
I sometimes pity people who
Have never felt the cause
To share the bond between two souls,
One with hands and one with paws.
The silhouette reminds me
What others say is wrong
For as long as breath goes through me
There exists our mighty bond.
You see I’m the lucky one
As I’ve been truly blessed
For someday we’ll walk together
As eternal silhouettes.

Author Unknown

In Memory of Winkwomp

You obviously loved your little boy. I thought you might like this poem.


Veronica in TN and the Whisker Bunch (Roo, Bandit and Oddball...missing Yuki)

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From: "cscodog"
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 15:02:18 -0800


Stephanie,

As I am sure you have heard a million times the past few days, I am so sorry for your loss. As I was reading your beautiful e-mail a thought came to mind that I heard from someone....."To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world". Winkwomp and you coming together was meant to be, and you were and still are his world. Your an amazing woman, and ferret mom and if you need anything, or just want to talk at someone let me know. I would be honored to do what I can.

Your Friend,

Annette

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From: [Former Player]
Date: 02-20-03 09:15

So sorry for your loss Fennec, I just recently lost my Sonny, a cat I had for like 10 years, he was my baby. My friend went to wal-mart and altered my favorite picture of him and put on the inscription "when somone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure"

Winkwomp is in a better place frolicking and healthy and not hurting anymore, and he knows you love him and miss him.

Sorry I'm a little late with the post we were stuck in New York. damn snow.

Hang in there girl, it'll get easier.

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From: Shaelyn
Date: 02-18-03 00:06

Wow. I'm really sorry to hear about his passing. I hope he's gone to a better place free of evil men that would mistreat him so, and filled with wonderful people like you, who would take care of him no matter what.

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From: Bill Gruber
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 00:17:38 -0800


Hi Stephanie,

First off, I was very sorry to hear about your Winkwomp :-( Thank you for sharing his life with the FML where we can all know him and remember him. Please accept my condolances.

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From: Marla wadsworth
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 17:12:17 -0800


I am so sorry about Winkwomp...my prayers are with you...Marla and the crew

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From: canineconnections
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 17:07:25 -0800


Card from Kritter:
We are very sorry for your loss of Winkwomp- he sounds like a precious little soul and was very lucky to have had a mommy who loved him so very much!

Warmly,

Gerri, Mattea, Maggie, and Maru in Colorado

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From: kathouze
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 14:57:57 -0800


Card from Fuzzie:
I was so sorry to read about the loss of your fur baby,Winkwomp.He sounds like a very special and much loved fuzzy.You have a Winkwomp sized hole in your heart,but don't worry,that piece that's missing is safe in good paws.Try to remember the good times you had and the love shared between you with a smile.He'll never truly be gone,since the memories and his love will be with you always.Don't forget to look up into the night sky to see the new bright star,he'll be the one winking.May he dance forever in your heart.

Honey,Sugar,Witauka,Popov and Boris
Missing,Taz,Tasha,Jasmine,Valentine and Chelsea


Sandy and the Dook City Gang


THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together ...

Author Unknown

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From: [Former Player]
Date: 02-16-03 08:37

You did the right thing.. you made sure that Winkwomp had a proper home and he was loved You changed his life into a happy one and allthough his stay with you was only brief, I'm sure, if you could ask him, he would have said, it was the best thing that could happen to him.

Your story reminded me of "Baby". A chinchilla, that belonged to a friend of mine. My friend had left her boyfriend and had come to Munish to work here and had to leave Baby behind as she didn't have room for the cage in her little appartement. She asked me, if I could adopt him and I said yes of course. I spent the next few nights reading up on Chinchilla care.. that they needed special food (not expensive stuff, just things other than hamster food, which makes them fat and unhealthy), that they needed to have a special sandbath to keep their fur nice and I also read that they weren't cuddly toys and lived almost as long as a cat. I knew I way taking in a friend, that would stay with me a long time, as Baby was only 2 years old.

My friend went back to the old flat to collect Baby that weekend, and phoned me when she got there.. Baby had passed on... his fur was knotted and icky, he looked bloated and the smell in the cage was aweful. I was so angry then and frustrated! How could someone "forget" something living like that?! How can you mistreat a fellow living being like that?!?!

Baby died alone, with nobody to love him.. Winkwomp was a lucky little guy for he was in the hands of someone who cared.

You have my heartfelt sympathy, Fennec, and even though I never got to meet either Baby or Winkwomp, they both have a special place in my heart.

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From: Hagor
Date: 02-15-03 23:58

There will be others come along that need you as Winkwomp did, and as you remember him, you will make a place for them. Take care Fennec,

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From: Sneezy1001
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 15:08:01 -0800


Card from Fuzzie:
Stephanie,

You have my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Winkwomp. I know the devastating feeling of the crossing of one of God's greatest treasures way before they should leave us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

For the love of ferrets and the human hearts they hold,

Barbara Laugesen


My New Life In Heaven

My new life in Heaven, is such a pleasant wonderful sight,
We weasel war dance with such great delight.
Jesus pets me and rubs my tummy every day and night.
There is no pain, no sorrow, no needles, no hunger, no fear.
No, I’m not afraid, sad or alone,
I’m perfectly content here at home.
I want you to know you made my first life on Earth so fine,
You did more than you could, just as I would have if you were mine . . .
So dry those tears my human friend, don’t you dare be blue.
I’m happy here, I love you, and at the Bridge I’ll wait for you.

Author: Robin Ambrosini

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From: Farmflower
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 14:51:03 -0800


Dear Stephanie,
I am very sorry about WinkWomp. He knows how much you love him, and his love will always be with you. Unfortunately, it never gets any easier when you lose them. They are here such a short time and it always hurts so much when they go.

My sincere sympathy to you,
Ronnie

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From: Lyal.Shaw
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 08:45:08 -0800


Card from Fuzzie:
In Memory of Winkwomp

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow,
Where time stands still.
Where Winkwomp does run,
His time on earth is over and done.

On this golden land,
Your Winkwomp plays,
Because he has crossed,
Over the Rainbow Bridge,
To find his way.

Lyal E. Shaw

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From: "North R Sterling"
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 08:02:20 -0800


So Sorry

So very Sad

At The Loss

Of Your

"Winkwomp"


"A dog or cat steals your heart,
but a ferret steals your soul."


Ron from Michigan, USA

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From: North.Sterling
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 07:59:42 -0800


Card from CustardPie:
IN LOVING MEMORY of "WINKWOMP"


God saw that "Winkwomp"
Was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his hands upon him and whispered,
"Come to the Rainbow Bridge with Me".
A golden heart stopped beating,
A determined spirit was at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the "Very "Best".


Ronald of Michigan, USA

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From: North.Sterling
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 07:47:49 -0800


Card from Fuzzie:
Star light.....
Star bright.....
A New Shining Star.....
For Our Cousin Winkwomp.....
In Heaven Tonight.

With Lots of Love.....
From the Bottom of Our Little Hearts.....

Lady Xavier, Xeryus, Zacaryeus, Yazu, and Me Too Azu!

1 Girl Cousin and 4 Boy Cousins from Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

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From: amwalker
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 06:56:53 -0800


Card from CustardPie:
Sorry for the loss of your Winkwomp. Just remember he's in heaven waiting for you to cross the bridge together until that day comes Winkwomp is watching over you. Anna Walker
Ernestine,Max,Jesse,Minnie,Darla,Sebastian
missing Cinders


Anna & The Crew

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From: K Fox
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 06:24:40 -0800


Stephanie,

I am so very saddened to hear of the loss of WinkWomp. What an adorable name!!! I know there is no comfort in anything anyone can say to you right now but try to take joy in the wonderful life you gave him.

Deepest sympathies,

Kim and da kids




Fuzzy Hugs from Kim and da kids at Somethin Up My Sleeve Rescue


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From: "Karen"
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 04:01:26 -0800


I am so sorry Stephanie. I know how much this hurts. I also lost my first rescue to right adrenal surgery. I am so glad to know that you were there for WinkWomp tho and that he left this planet knowing he was loved and cared for.

Karen and the Scruff You Gang

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From: Fuzzyslave
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 01:31:02 -0800


I'm so very sorry for your loss.He'll be greeted by many at the Bridge & will play like there is no tommorrow,made whole again.

Dooks,Sandi
Heaven Scent Ferret Rescue/Shelter

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From: BaMa
Date: 02-14-03 21:13


Oh Fennec sweetie...I'm so sorry...Your story made me cry. I've never had ferrets, but I do understand the bond that can be formed between humans and animals, and it's like losing a member of the family when a beloved pet passes. We do care, and I'm sure most of us know what it's like to lose a loved one, human or animal. You're not alone, hang in there! Winkwomp is in a better place.


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From: "Larry McFarlane"
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 17:30:15 -0800


Dear Stephanie:

I want to send my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know you two weren't together for a long time, but know that you gave him so much love. He doesn't wait at home for you, but he waits at another home, and will be one of the first at the Bridge to dance when you arrive.

Again, my condolences,

Rebecca & the Crew of Merry Mayhem
"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with ketchup"
"Support bacteria, it's the only culture some people have"

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From: "R Downs"
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 15:02:24 -0800


Stephanie, I am so sorry about Winkwomp. I know you tried your best. Sometimes, no matter what we do, it's not enough. I am praying for you.

renee

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From: angelkids
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 14:30:02 -0800


i am so sorry for the loss of Winkwomp....my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

God bless,
Angie and housefull of blessings:
7 ferrets, 5 cats, 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, fish, hubby, & 5 wonderful children--homeschooling & enjoying the outdoor wildlife & birds in our NWF Backyard Habitat #30089, western NY! (missing my beloved Sparky cat)

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From: Nan and Sandy Sanders
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 14:08:02 -0800


I am sorry to read about your loss - you will see Winkwomp at the Bridge... chances are he is nipping some toes up there! My 13 year old dog died last May - Nome's passing left a huge gap in my life and in my heart. I have a new puppy - not a replacement - a new companion....I still miss Nome.

Nan and SuperSnooper

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From: "Lois Caselman"
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 13:39:24 -0800


Oh Stephanie I'm so sorry. I think that someone with your heart of gold will face many heartaches because you care so much. Thats a good thing though. Painful but good. I say this because you give your everything to your ferrets and others. You're bound to get hurt this way but you do it because you are such a special person. Winkwomp needed you and thats why he bonded with you and not the ferrets. He knew his time would be short and he wanted to squeeze in as much love as he could before he left for the bridge. He knows you'll come for him one day but he just wanted his remaining time spent with you. Please take care of yourself. I know when you lose a baby, it's hard to get over it. I'll be thinking of you and include you both in my prayers tonight.

Your friend,
Lois
Missing 9
Hugging 16
In memory of my little superman Tazzie

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From: "Lo"
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 10:53:20 -0800


Stephanie, I know there's nothing to say to un-break your heart. Just wanted to send you a hug and let you know that you're in my prayers as you grieve.

-Lo

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From: "Ferret Guardian Rescue Haven"
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 19:16:17 -0800


Oh Stephanie... I am so sad for you. God bless you! I knew at the meeting when I saw him that he probably wouldn't make it...I just didn't have the heart to tell you and was hoping I was wrong.

Although you didn't have him long, you gave him the best his life has ever known and he was happy. The blessings you two shared were mutual and so is what's left behind and what left with him. It's is very hard for you right now but when you want to talk, call me. Let the tears flow for they will help in your healing. Hug the memories for they will comfort you. He will never leave your heart.

God bless you Stephanie.

Hugs {}{}

Diane

BTW... Choose any box you want. There is no charge for it. It is a gift.

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From: Sgunter222
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:53:27 -0800


I know it hurts - Hopes this helps.

Love ya, Shari

+++++++

(by Susie Lee- Hurley - FML post)

There have been so many true-life reappearances of many different kinds of our fur and feathered friends that it would take several megs' worth of writing to try to document each appearance or incident with each critter.

The real truth is, they each do have their own souls and spirits, and they tend to stay near to us when they're in spirit-form-only by their own choices for (because of) their deep love of each of us, their human-friends.

So we should be just as loyal "in love" to all our non-human friends by continuing to keep our spirit-bonds alive and well by remembering and thinking of them all with warmth, joy, and love.

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From: "hpkalika"
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 10:29:10 -0500

Fennec,

Sorry to hear about Winkwomp. I know that he is in a better place, running and rolling around like a young ferret will. If you want to email me back, go right ahead.

There is a website that my friend liked to go to when her cat died. It is http://www.petloss.com/

Maybe it will help you out too.

Crystal (Red from Nuklear Lord)

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From: Laura B
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 02:27:57 -0800


Dear Stephanie,

I am SO VERY SORRY about Winkwomp! I know you love him very much and losing him must be incredibly painful. I realize you might not be on e-mail for a few days, but PLEASE call me ANYTIME AT ALL (even late at night) if you just need sometime to talk to or simply to listen. I remember you did that for me when I lost my Satchmo and I will gladly return the favor and help ease your pain in any way I possibly can.

With that said, don't let anyone tell you that it's not okay to grieve, because you absolutely must allow yourselve to do so. It's okay. And your sadness and grief will take time to subside. If possible, see if your boss will let you take a few days off (Thursday and Friday?) although you can say it's for "family reasons" because it truly is.

Please feel free to call me if you want to get together, talk on the phone, or whatever. You can reach me at [phone number deleted].

God bless you and Winkwomp.

Love,
Laura

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From: "Dave and Pam Taynor"
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 08:09:13 -0800


I am so sorry Stephanie.

I have had to let 3 of mine go and it doesn't get any easier.

You know you gave him some happy times, even if they were short.

Hang in there,
Pam Taynor

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From: cindy.a.barnes
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 04:19:25 -0800


Oh, Stephanie!

That is terrible news! I know it is very small consolation at this moment, but please know that you gave Winkwomp the best part of his life when you adopted him! He knows he will live in your heart forever, and that he will NEVER be forgotten nor replaced!

This is the part of ferrets that is the absolutely hardest part! My tears mingle with yours!

Cindy


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From: Sgunter222
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 14:47:40 -0800


Oh honey. {{Big Hug}} I know this is tough on you. Take some pics, love on him, and know you have the best vet looking after him.

Shari

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From: caitlynmaire
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 13:50:12 -0800


Hi, Stephanie,

I'm so very sorry about little Winkwomp. Please take some solace in knowing that you gave him the best possible life while he was with you, and know that you did all you could and went to great lengths and expense to make him well. Ryo-Ohki was very young (three and a half) when we had to let her go. It was the hardest thing we ever did, but it was the right thing for her. We'll never forget her, and you will never forget Winkwomp.

I know nothing I can say really can help. I feel for you.

Hugs,
Caity

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A special thank you goes out to Pam Sessoms. She drove Ted, Winkwomp, and me to the vet on his last day. She is also the one who brought Winkwomp into my life. Thank you, Pam, for being there in the beginning and ending of my journey with Winkwomp.