If there was ever a true lady chinchilla it was Willow.
A beautiful white mosaic I purchased from a local fur farm in 2000. He said she was about 5 at the time, so she was at least 16 years old.
I should have known when she didn't chew her stump there was more too it.
She had lost some fur under her neck a good 3 years ago. Looked more from rubbing, as she had a few rolls and was starting to calm down.she spent most of her time just cuddled in her hut.
She seemed to have developed an infection in her neck{ fluid build up under the skin, very visible with the lack of fur} and chest{wheezing} I'm just not sure what came first.
At 16 years old we felt it was best for her to euthanize.
After all these years and many deaths it still doesn't get any easier.
She was the mother to my chins with no ears, and even though I soon realized she wouldn't be a good breeder she was an awesome pet.
So calm and content, and graceful lady.
RIP my friend, we had 11 great years together.