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Dark clouds swept over our house last week as we had to send off our sweet boy Sasquatch

Our biggest of boys, Sasquatch, ‘Squatch, Squatchmo, Big Dude, Bubbies, Champagne Supernova, Squatchers, Big Squatch, came into our home December 19, 2015, along with his brother Yeti, from the Hide-E-Hole ferret shelter in Pittsburgh. (You can thank Chad for talking me into their names.) I’d always wanted a big boy ferret and he certainly fit the bill!

The boys had been found surviving with a feral cat colony in Pittsburgh, during the previous winter. Sasquatch clearly had been taking care of Yeti, who was deaf, making sure he was safe until – and after – they were rescued. When we first brought them home they would sleep curled up together in a sleepy sack. Sasquatch would always have his head out, alert for any danger. Anytime they were in an unfamiliar situation, Sasquatch would revert back to that behavior, making sure Yeti was protected.

Once they settled in, ‘Squatch demonstrated his propensity for being a low-key sorta dude. He was happy to go outside and play in the grass and check out the fish pond and waterfall. Big Dude wasn’t exactly the most graceful ferret, and more than once wound up in the pond! He might dance across the waterfall, try to step on a lily pad, despite my warnings, and plop! At least he was a proficient swimmer!

Among Squatchmo’s other outdoor hobbies was trying to steal the water irises. Not really sure what he planned on doing with them, but he would seek out a nice plump water iris, streeeetch until he could get it, and yank (if it was out in the water) or chew on it, if it wasn’t. It was ridiculous!

Like most ferrets, he was a a master digger, flinging dirt far and wide when he was able to sneak into a plant, or when presented with a box full of soil. But at the Ferret Picnic when a prize was on the line, do you think he’d dig? Of course not! Silly boy. Being patient, though, he was a great contestant in the Ferret Chariot Race! Even when I wrecked the chariot and dumped him overboard!

We very nearly lost Sasquatch in December 2017. And so we knew we were on borrowed time. I only wish we’d been able to borrow more.

Sasquatch was a happy, lovey, stunning boy who left us far too soon. He was the Big Boy I’d always hoped for and our life is richer for having had him in it. Rest in peace, my Champagne Supernova.