I've loved and lost many animals over the years, everything from mice and hamsters to cats, dogs, ferrets, and more. My ferret Ziggy died about 3 years ago. He was an albino and it was love at first site when I picked him up. Rather than gnawing on me like his cage mates did, he gave me the sweetest little ferret kisses. How could I not bring that little character home? I'll admit, I treated the little guy like a king. He had full run of a large part of the house for at least several hours a day, and he had several soft cozy beds (handmade, of course) in his large cage when it was time to sleep. I fed him fresh cooked chicken and gizzards mixed with his ferret food, which he just loved. He liked to walk around the yard in his leash with the handmade harness I sewed (way more comfortable than the store bought ones). I'd let him dig in the dirt and have a grand old time. His best friend was our cat, Cedric. Ziggy liked to jump on the cat's back and ride him like a horse- funniest thing you ever saw! They'd take turns chasing each other around the house, then if Cedric caught Ziggy he'd carry him around (very gently) by the scruff of the neck. Ziggy didn't seem to mind in the least, and as soon as Cedric set him down, they were off again, racing around and just having a great time. Then when they got tired they'd curl up together and Cedric would give the ferret a bath before they went to sleep. The day Ziggy passed away he sat in my lap and gave me kisses and cuddled for a long time. I believe he was saying goodbye. That evening he died in his sleep. He lived a good long life, and I will never forget his bright little spirit. Even the cats kept looking for him more than a month later. Cedric would sit in Ziggy's cage and look so sad- it still brings tears to my eyes. Cedric is a large cat, and really didn't fit in the ferret's bed, but he squished his big butt in there anyway. He really missed his buddy, and that was his way of remembering him. Even Ozzy, who pretended he didn't like Ziggy, missed him and looked for him. All this time later, and I still miss my little Ziggy. I made a sculpture (called Ferret Rider) of a fairy riding an albino ferret- my version of Ziggy frolicking with fairies in Heaven. I have that sculpture on my shop banner as well. You just don't forget your critters.

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Happy Birthday Jeff

This would have been my big brother's 40th birthday. He died last October. It's really hard to see that in print- I still have a hard time believing he's gone. Jeff had Leukemia, and was in the hospital due to complications. It wasn't the first time he'd had issues with his medication, so although I was concerned, it looked like they'd be able to switch medications, and he should be fine. In fact, he was responding well to the new medications, but he was having problems breathing. I called him at the hospital, and although he was only able to talk for a few minutes I told him I loved him before I hung up. I am so glad I did. The next day he was moved to ICU, and the day after he passed away. I really expected him to get better. I thought I'd be able to call him when he got home and we'd chat about his cat and dog, reminisce about Anne, his cat who had passed away several months earlier, and just BS about whatever. I wish I could have seen him more. He lived in Washington state and I live in Ohio, and neither of us could afford to travel. I wish he could see what I'm doing online right now. Jeff was an amazing computer programmer. He knew a computer like nobody else. You had a tech question, you called Jeff. He also loved fantasy. I remember him playing Dungeons and Dragons when we were kids. At that age I didn't know much about the game, but I did like looking through all his D&D books with the cool characters and beasts. Once World of Warcraft came out he became a huge fan. This was perfect for Jeff- it combined computers, a huge online community, and fantasy role playing. Jeff is a big reason why I started making plush World of Warcraft characters. It's a small way I can share a piece of his world. He always enjoyed my artwork and encouraged me to keep at it. There's so much I want to share with him. He was way too young. He could have accomplished so much in this world. Not only am I incredibly sad that he was taken from us, I'm angry that he was never allowed to reach his full potential and live the life he deserved.
He was good big brother. I remember him walking me home from kindergarten, and all his friends were teasing him about it. He completely ignored them and walked me home from school every day. I felt a lot safer with my big brother by my side. He used to take my little brother Mike and I out trick or treating every Halloween. He would try to plan the best route so we'd get the most candy before we got too tired. He was so special- I only hope he knew that. He was very protective of me, Mike, Gramma, and later BJ, my youngest brother. Not many people knew Jeff really well, but those who did were privileged enough to know him personally were lucky indeed. I love him, I miss him, and I still mourn for him. I hope he knows he is not forgotten, and he MATTERED.
Happy birthday Jeff, from your little sister.
-Michelle