It's okay, I know how you feel. I've never had a pet long term, so I've never experienced such a thing. But numerous of my friends have, and I helped them carry on. Just remember to take a deep breath, give your ferret the best remainder of his life, and laugh and smile at all the great memories you two had together. And think about it this way: if he had cancer for five whole years, he's a fighter, he is a brilliant little ferret and a lucky pet. I am sorry to hear this, but the best thing you can do is talk to people, like us, let it all out. We're here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on.

Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. My dog is nine and she is probably the most loved dog in the world. In the summer of 2015 my mom told us she had cancer. We gave her the best treatment we could, and my parents said that she had at least a year. It's been more than a year now. My dog seems perfectly fine but I'm scared for her.

I don't know what to say to comfort you... good luck? There's nothing you need luck for. All I can say is that I hope everything turns out alright. 

Thanks, you two.

When I found out he had cancer, the vet was surprised he was still actually alive. She didn't think he'd live much longer after that...and here he is, five years later. His health started to decline last year, just like this (not as bad, but still pretty badly). I gave him essential oil mouthwash three times a day and he made a pretty miraculous recovery. I don't think the mouthwash will work this time, but hey, maybe I'm wrong. (Probably not. The average life span for a ferret is 5-8 years.)

And thank you, too, Admin. I feel a little better now. :)

Good. We're here for you.

Admin

Oh, I am so sorry. Really. I know what it's like to lose a pet. In fact, my hamster passed away just two weeks or so ago. But remember that your ferret has lived a very long time for having cancer, and that's a blessing. I am sincerely sorry, though. It's a tough thing to go through. But, ya know, that's part of owning pets. I think it's still worth it. Maybe spend some extra time with your ferret before he goes, if he is still living at the moment (I'm assuming that's what you mean by 'is at the end of his life span'). I like to have funerals and bury my pets when they pass away, and I make slideshows to play at their funeral with pictures of them. If it's alright with your parents, after your ferret passes away and you're done grieving, you might want to think about getting another pet to fill place in your heart. Of course, nothing will be able you take your ferret's place, but just another pet to play with and keep you company can help get you through it, I've found. Here, have a cookie. *hugs* I hope this helps. I know it's hard, and this is coming from someone who's lost around 9 pets. But trust me, things will get better. I know they will. :-) 

You aren't going crazy. You're only being a wonderful, loyal pet owner. I can't offer much advice because I've never had any animal or person close to me die, but I know you're doing everything right and you will be okay in the end.

Oh my goodness. I'm sorry for your soon-to-be loss. I know how it feels for a pet to die of cancer. My cat, Zoe, who was my cat for the first four years of my life, passed away because of cancer. I can't remember much, but I know it was a heartrending experience. I couldn't imagine life without my cats right now. All I can say is enjoy every moment you have left with your ferret, and know that when he dies, he will no longer be in pain. I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry you lost your pet. Whenever you lose something, or someone special to you, you feel terrible at first, but will eventually start to think about good memories and how much you loved your pet. Remember, the CB will be here any time you need a shoulder to cry on. 

*hugs* ❤️❤️❤️

That's so sad! Of course you have my support. I don't know what it's like to lose a pet, but if and when (s)he dies, we'll be there with hugs. I've learned, you can always come to the Chatterbox for support and advice. You may be sad, but like Admin said, just remember the happy times with your ferret. 

We are here for you.

Keep going, never give up.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths." --Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Thanks, guys. He died on Valentine's day...Your kind words have helped me feel so much better.

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. I bet he was a great pet, and you were the best owner he could have wished for. He lived a happy 5 years, I'll bet.

I'm sorry.

Our cat died when I was six, on New Year's. When my dad came in and told me, I didn't even cry because I was in so much shock.

Now, five years later, I still miss her, but it doesn't hurt anymore. I've healed over now. It takes some time, but I promise you, in a while you will be able to talk about him/look at pictures of him, and you won't be sad. Instead you'll remember him and smile--maybe a little sadly, but it's still a smile. 

I don't really know what else to say. We're here for you.