That is sad to hear. The passing of a special pet is always a hard thing to bear. Especially when he has been with you for so long from such a young age. My heart goes out to you as my ferret passed away on my deployment and I had her for nearly 7 yrs. she had been through the birth of my three youngest and my seperation. not to mention two other times of seperation due to the military, yet every time I came home she would climb up my clothes to perch on my shoulder and tickle my ear like I had never left and she forgave me for having to leave her. blessings and condolences!!!
I'm not looking forward to having to ever say goodbye to miy buddy.