I got my youngest ferret from a woman who had bought him from a pet store, but could not take care of him, I was the second home she had tried. She had named him Ed, and I meant to change his name, but he looked like an Ed. He was a big boy, he peaked out at just under five pounds, but he was always a little timid. He didn't like to venture far from me outdoors, and he prefered being held to digging in the dirt. This December he was diagnosed with cancer, an adrenal tumor had grown into his liver, and was inoperable (the tumor was detected through ultrasound). Immediately I began aggressive treatment with Lysodren. In spite of my best efforts, Ed lost his battle early Saturday morning. I am not only writing to share my grief about losing Ed, but to thank a woman that has selflessly dedicated herself to ferrets, and their owners. She saved my oldest ferret's life when I called her one morning at 2:00 am (she talked me through an insulinoma reaction). And, through this hard time she has been there to offer advice, and shoulder to cry on. She provided Ed with his final resting place. Thank you Patricia. And thank you to all the people who posted in the last couple of days for making me feel welcome to share my grief. Maria and Gizmo. [Posted in FML issue 2984]