11/11/25…I have been trying to get this post written for over a month!

Well summer is gone. Although I was not a fan of the heat and lack of rain, I’m kind of sorry it’s over. I miss the late light in the evening in order to get outdoor projects done. Though, with the lack of rain for a month, I didn’t need to mow quite so often.

We were fairly busy with seven programs and two exhibitions at festivals. I have presented more in the past but I’m getting a bit worn. Max did wonderful and was very calm at all his presentations. Though a prescription helps take the tension off. I’m thinking of reducing it a so that he’s more alert. I don’t want him freaking out but would prefer a little more interaction from him. The majority of the programs were in July and I had to do programs for work, as well. So, it was crazy!

Eco-Arts Festival, our exhibit

Max just chilling

I had one program in August along with the Eco-Arts Festival that Max & I attend.

Then I scheduled finger surgery on the 7th with a month recovery. I had severe arthritis in my left ring finger which was not only painful but it deformed my finger making it crooked. So, that finger along with the pinky was not functional. I had been getting steroid injections for nearly three years and recently they stopped working. The next step was bone fusion. I was scared but am very happy that I had it done. Here it is three months later and I have a usable left hand. Yes, the finger is permanently bent and the only problems I’ve had is I forget to judge distance when reaching into tight spots. (Photo taken before & after 10/5, though it’s even thinner now)

September was a difficult month. My post-op appointment went well and my finger was healing nicely. On the 13th life changed. I was cleaning Frannie Ferret’s cage and noticed some blood in her urine and a small amount in one stool. So, I removed all the pads and while doing so, I put her in the carrier. She drove me nuts by digging at the cage door like a crazy weasel. She certainly didn’t act sick! The next morning, her stool looked fine but noticed she wasn’t interested in treats or food and she kept passing blood in her urine. That evening she was very lethargic, just lying in my arms. So, we snuggled. Monday, she wasn’t any better. My vet had no openings, not even for an emergency and thankfully, I had an appointment for Burt and Poppy at a different vet office. They allowed me to swap for Frannie. I got to hold her at the beginning but she started having difficulty breathing and became very still. They took her in the back for oxygen and while there, they discovered a mass in her abdomen. At least I got to say goodbye before they took her away because they gave her the shot while in the back and I wasn’t there for her last breath. They placed her in a box, wrapped nicely. Every veterinary practice is different when it comes to euthanasia. Not being able to hold your baby while they leave this earth is ever so difficult. However, after her breathing episode, she had a blank look on her face and I believed she was already fading fast. I was there when it counted. When I got home, I unpacked the girl, held her and buried her next to Frankie in the front garden. Looking back to December 2024 we had a mass removed from behind her leg. I’m sure it was cancerous but I really didn’t want to know. She lived life adventurous and fun. She gave lots of kids kisses this summer and made them happy. Now, she is with her beloved brother Frankie.

9/15/25 My last moments with sweet Frannie

Frannie July 2024

Frankie & Frannie July 2024

Several days later Max is throwing up his food and stops eating for two days. A new worry for me! We had a program scheduled for Saturday (20th) afternoon and I wasn’t sure if we would make it. I zipped on over to the vets that morning and picked up an enema and meds for him. He did pass a stool but I felt better knowing I would be ready in case there would be any problems afterwards. I gave him the nausea med to help with his upset stomach.

The following weekend we had a wildlife festival which is a long day for us but it’s important to bring awareness to the public. There were many excellent wildlife organizations.

Wildlife Festival Exhibit

Mustelidae family with Max & Burt in tow

So, September was very busy and I still had projects to begin and some to complete since I was out of commission with my finger for a month. I also started physical therapy on my hip which leaves me with December 1st as my last appointment. It has been so helpful!

The first Saturday in October, Burt Parrot and I picked up 150 pounds of meat for Max. So, he is set for red meat for a few months. It’s a 5-hour round trip and another 3 hours cutting it all up into smaller containers for his freezer. This was our last Saturday event and since then I’ve been busy catching up on projects.

Fall came and went. It’s my favorite time of year with crisp air and beautiful changing trees. Okay, it’s still fall but the weather has changed to wintery. Max has been putting on the fur in anticipation for winter. He’s well and so is everyone else. We had our first snow today (11/10) and I’m sure he’s happy but I would have preferred it waited until December. I gave him some straw and just finished adding mulch to his enclosure the other day.

8-13-25

8-13-25

8-18-25

8-18-25

New Enrichment 9-1-25

9-1-25

10-19-25

Fresh straw for winter 11-11-25