Mira’s Legacy
Mira’s passing was a blow to all who knew her. Her caretakers at the facilities that treated her, her supporters around the world, our organization, but most of all those of us who lived with her and saw her weekly and daily.
June 18, 2003
Mira joined her friends at Rainbow Bridge today.
Mira’s tumor was removed twice in the past 6 months. Each time it returned more vigorously than before. As a last resort, her leg was amputated three months ago. With her usual spirit and determination, she recovered VERY well from that and within two weeks was getting around and back just about to her old self. But it was another short-lived victory.
Another tumor grew – this time it was a mast cell tumor right where the amputation took place, not the original cancer that we had dealt with. At that point it was determined that there just wasn’t anything else that could be done for her. There wasn’t enough skin to remove the tumor and close the opening. And the area was not a candidate for skin grafts. We hoped for the best but recognized that the end to Mira’s life was coming.
The past few weeks Mira’s interest in life began to wane. She began eating half-heartedly and began loosing interest in any playtime activity. (Mira has ALWAYS shown an inordinate interest in food and biting toes). Each day she seemed to slip just a little bit more behind. Mira’s quality of life has always been FACT’s guiding principle in her care and treatment. As she showed interest in life, we would continue to support her care.
Blood work confirmed our worst fears – that another cancer had invaded her liver which was beginning to fail. Liver cancer is inoperable.
Many tears will be shed at Mira’s passing by friends and well wishers from around the world. We’ve all learned from Mira’s spirit and attitude – and that perhaps is the greatest mark any person or creature can make. We will all mourn her – but we will never forget her and her contribution to our lives.
Many thanks and heartfelt appreciation to all her caregivers and supporters.
Help Mira Live On
FACT’s board of directors approved establishing a special memorial fund to in Mira’s name. It will provide for extraordinary medical care to animals facing unique situations like Mira anywhere in the United States. It is our goal to help advance the successful treatment of ferret injuries or diseases.
Your donation to the Mira Health Care Fund will help FACT provide medical care support grants to animals facing extraordinary situations like Mira’s. As always, donations to FACT are tax deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. Read more about the FACT Mira Health Care Fund.
For Mira, and for any other ferret that may face the challenges she did, we thank you.
