Same came back from having tests at the vet today. They think he has cancer of the lymphatic system and that there isn’t much that can be done about it. They expect that he only has a few months left. Of course, one of the first things you think is ‘Did I miss something?’ but it’s been described as an insidious disease, with symptoms only appearing when the cancer is very advanced. Indeed, in a matter of literally days, he’s gone from acting completely normally to doing virtually nothing. We’ve had to carry him around because he’s too weak to walk and we’ve had to feed him and place him in the litter tray. But, bless him, he still ‘kisses’ us and he hasn’t bitten us, even though this would be normal behaviour for a ferret in pain.

Mark is very upset. So am I but I am trying to be practical and think positively. I think Same has had a good life so far and I’m going to make sure he is comfortable for the rest of it. So tonight I hand-fed him organic roast chicken and he munched it hungrily. I’ll have to think of something nice for him to have tomorrow…