In memory of our dear ferret princess Michaela, born February 26, 2006, who left us on October 5, 2014, joining her brother Zorro across the Rainbow Bridge. Mickey and Zorro came to us from the Washington Ferret Rescue and Shelter, bringing so much joy and delight into our lives. The rambunctious, rowdy little redheaded tomboy with an attitude turned out to be a loving, affectionate companion, chasing her "dad" up the stairs and giving earnest kisses to her human friends. She courageously and fearlessly battled with her stuffed toys, her collection of ping-pong balls, and her health conditions. She had an enlarged heart (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and was placed on multiple meds to help manage it, which she took patiently and obediently, as though she knew they were "magic medicine" to help her stay healthy. She also had pancreatic cancer (insulinoma) and had surgery to remove the tumors, at which point they discovered that she also, like her brother, had a right-adrenal tumor. However, because she'd received a protective deslorelin implant proactively at the same time her brother received a post-adrenal-surgery implant, Mickey's tumor was "inactive." She lived a long, full, active and happy life right up to the very end, which came suddenly with an "event" where she lost control of one entire side of her body. We knew it was "time" to say farewell to our sweet girl, and to give thanks for all the special time we spent together and for the extended life span that she enjoyed due to the excellent care that our medical teams provided.

The day that I picked up her ashes and her memorial plaque, just as I was leaving the clinic, there was a brilliant and beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky, framing the distant mountains--like a "gift" from our darling to let us know she was dancing again "across the Bridge."

Friends and family will never forget our little sweetheart, missed by her "parents," her Auntie Lynn, her Auntie Elly and many more. She charmed all who met her.

Special thanks go to all of Mickey's many friends, including Burien Veterinary Hospital (who cared for our darling and who donated to the WSU Pet Memorial program in Mickey's name, as they also did for Zorro) and also to The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (who offered specialized care that enabled her to live happily and well for as long as possible) And of course, to the "aunties" Lynn, Elly, and Denise, who brightened playtime and naptime with many gifts!

"The love goes on forever."

Kate P. and William S