when one of a bonded pair dies

Question
HI,
I adopted 3 ferrets from a shelter 5 months ago....I had originally wanted only the bonded pair but this little runt with a giant heart also adopted me and I came home with 3. The little one was the one I worried about but she has thrived and is doing well....The male of the bonded pair started losing weight and having diahrrea....I started him on duck soup and pedialyte and he did well for a while ...then this week the diahrrea came back with a vengeance...I called the vet and he was unable to see me until tomorrow ...I tried to syringe feed little Romeo every few hours and he did take the nourishment but sadly I came home tonight  and he apparantly could not fight anymore....he died.  I am so worried now about his mate Juliet...I read about the bonded half that is left dying and I need to know what I can do...the little one "Lola" has sometimes cuddled with both but is a bit of a loner...They have their own little room (6x6) with an open cage. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated...I have never had  pets that take over my heart so quick. Thanks.....

Answer
Hello Mary,

You did all you could to make your little guy's last few days as comfortable as possible.  As a ferret owner and a "mom", the loss is devastating.  You did a wonderful thing by giving him a safe home, companionship and all of the love he needed.  It is a shame he couldn't have stay with you longer. I sympathize with your loss :(     

It is true that ferret sister will miss him terribly.  Some ferrets bond extremely close to their owners and one another.  It is not unheard that a ferret can become depressed or die due to the loss of a loved one.  I had a ferret many many years ago die of a broken heart.  It is wonderful that these little guys can show such emotional attachments, although the death of a beloved friend is often difficult for them.  Luckily, are some things you can do to make the situation a bit easier on your little girl.  

The first is pretty obvious!  Shower her with all the love and attention she could ever want and then some.  Show her that you are still there and that you care about her more than anything.  Spend plenty of time playing and snuggling and give her lots of special treats. This will help her feel wanted and ease the pain of the loss.  Time will heal the wound for you both, but right now she needs your love and support more than anything.   

The second thing you could do (if possible) is find her another playmate.  Especially if the other adopted one remains aloof, this may be a good option.  Some ferrets are less social and will never become bonded.  While it IS good to have another ferret around for emotional support, it would be BETTER to have one that shows her love and affection to her.  Perhaps you could go to the shelter and let her choose a new playmate and snuggle buddy for herself :)

I hope this information has proven useful to you.  again, I am so sorry for your loss =(  Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any other concerns.  

Best regards,
-Cindy P.