I almost posted yesterday, but then thought I'd wait, as I didn't know what outcome I was going to have. I introduced Nibbles to you all when she came to live with us about 3 weeks ago. It's been and up and down battle with this little girl over depression. If you remember, she's over 2 years old. Her previous owner thought she was a male, and the add in the paper said 3-4 year old ferret. When we got her home she passed a balloon or some other object we won't go into here-just know it's disposable. Lady said if no one would take her they were going to take her to a pet store or the humane society. Well, Nibs was an only ferret, never has taken to the others, and she's become our 'downstairs' ferret, much to the chagrin of the rest of the Crew She's been to Dr. K's twice for vitamin shots to help get her appetite stimulated, and it hasn't helped. I've tried feeding her anything I thought she'd eat, and there's been some force feedings of duck soup. Well, last week we had to force fluids on her all weekend, she was getting dehydrated. Suddenly she starts eating and drinking, not a lot, but doing it. On Wed. evening I get her out of her pen to take her downstairs and she's like holding a feather, her weight has gone away. I started forcing fluids and duck soup, not knowing if she'd be alive Thursday morning. 6:15 am I'm on the phone to the vet, and he told me bring her in for Sub q-lactated ringers. So in we go, she gets the fluid. He mixed in more vitamins, a med for her liver, and another couple things I can't remember. He told me to keep her under my sweater to keep her warm. So Sara helped me get in to the building with the carrier, Nibbles, and in we went. I was having trouble carrying her and got the bright idea to go to Central Supply and get that type of tape that adheres to itself. Well, the guy suggested an Ace bandage, and necessity proved the mother of invention. I put that thing around me and tucked her into it, kind of like a fanny pack, but more like a 'ferret pack'. I ran around most of yesterday with a large 'swelling near my stomach area-people thought I had a heating pad! My one boss, Dr. Coppoc, knew what was going on and just cracked up-said I looked pregnant. Thank heavens I work in a vet school and people understand this type of thing. When she got uncomfortable I put her in her crate and she 'did her thing'. One of the 'exotic' vets from the clinic had called and wanted to know if I'd be willing to let some of my kids be the 'stars' of one of her classes. Somehow Nibs got brought up and she brought her Nutrical, a high caloric paste, and some kibble. She didn't want a thing to do with it. However, I went to our cafeteria and got mashed potatoes-gravy on the side. She really licked the gravy off my fingers! I had vets and physicians I work for in the office watching this. So, we got home last night, I got out the "duck soup" and thawed a cube. Every hour/hour and a half she was getting 1/2 ounce. Pretty soon she was all over the room, walking (staggering, but walking). She'd tire out, nap, walk. She somewhat gracefully accept the feedings. I put her in the pet carrier, loaded with blankies, water and food, on the bed with me last night, covered it with a quilt. She didn't want to just lay beside me. About 2:30 this morning she let me know she wanted out, but she had to wait. Fed her this morning and she's here at work with me again today. Besides making her eat the duck soup she has her kibble and water right there for when she's ready. She's walking so much better, so much more alert. My vet and Sara both assured me what was happening wasn't my doing-it was up to Nibbles to decide to get over this, to fight for herself like I've been fighting for her. I almost wrote and asked for prayers & thoughts yesterday, but I wasn't sure she'd be alive by evening, or this morning. But last night, at home, I held her against me and told her-"leaving me is not an option. You will get well, you will get over this depression." I think she's listening. So, I'd like to ask all of you who will to send good thoughts and prayers Nibbles' way for her recovery. If you want to write me, please send mail to my home address, as I'm writing from work and won't be here this weekend. My thoughts and prayers to all who've lost their babies and who have sick ones. For shelter people-I'm in awe of you. I've dealt with depression in Socks & Alix, but nothing like this. Nibbles reminds me of what you all write about-pining away, watching for someone whose not there. She's the kissiest face little baby, and I wait for that to return. Rebecca and the Crew of Merry Mayhem ======================= Rebecca McFarlane Secretary Basic Medical Sciences School Veterinary Medicine Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907-1246 Phone: 765-494-8632 Fax: 765-494-0781 "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup" [Posted in FML issue 2943]