Thomas Bennett (June 2006 – 15.45 11th August 2009)

A.K.A.: Thomasy Thomasy Thomas-Fluff or “the temperamental one”

Thomas was born some time in June 2006, his Mum's owner was a breeder but unfortunately he died so the neighbours took her in and looked after her until the babies were 10 weeks old and then they split off 6 of the babies (5 binos and one silver mitt) and brought them to Animal Care in Lancaster.

Lou had her nine at that time but she was happy to take in 6 more so 15 kits and one hyperactive mum took over the 6' square pen.


A few weeks later I was going to choose my gang, I came in to find blood in the ferret pen. I asked at reception if someone had been bitten but it turned out one of the bino boys had been beaten over the head with a rope ball by a volunteer. The volunteer was sent home and the ferret had been rushed to the vet. Well, once he got back he had to be mine didn't he? I needed a companion for Barry and Thomas was chosen.

He took a little while to fathom hammocks and things and slept the first few nights on the floor of the cage.





He experienced the shelter open day when he was still young and fell asleep in the little run he was sharing with “daddy smithy”





Once he learnt that I was boss he never bit me again. He was the scuba-ferret, when in the park he would walk into the pond and stay under. He loved the spray bottle and drinking from it.


He also loved to fish plastic bottles out of water on hot days.

Even if it meant wet face:


He never liked the sound of running water though, that would make him panic. Once it was run out of earshot though he enjoyed.


He loved to dig in really dirty things. Including the pile of used coals from the BBQ:


He was a big boy:




About May this year he got a serious tummy bug, 2 days in he had a low-blood-sugar fit and threw out his back. His back legs went.

Still, I got medication for his tummy bug and painkiller for the sore back. He managed another 2 months before succumbing.

Yesterday he could barely use his front legs and he spent 24 hours in the same position in a blanket. I washed him this morning and that's when I knew. I feel bad for not having photos post-ick but somehow photographing Thomas when he's only front-end mobile just isn't capturing Thomas.

He had a damn good 3 years with me, I never abused him and always gave cuddles even when he wanted to play. He adored the huge extendable grey tube I got through Freecycle last year and I just know he'll have one over the bridge, he loved to sleep in it.

Dook on my gorgeous man, I love you dearly. Give Lou lots of fuss from me and I'm sure she'll make sure you know your way about.

Love,
Mum.