I assume the following was directed at me..( on Apr.5, someone said *for Liz*: get another ferret for stimulation.)..I don't remember saying that Fang needed stimulation, so maybe it was for someone else. Just in case it was for me: When I acquired Fang, I was totally ignorant about ferrets. Didn't even want him to begin with; I had never seen a ferret, and was sure my Golden Retriever would step on him instantly. Fang came home with my son from a visit with my ex-husband. It only took three days for our family to know we would never be without a ferret. I didn't know that these little guys have to have a buddy around for stimulation. I didn't know anyone who even owned a ferret to talk with! I didn't know about the FML until Fang was already four plus yrs. old. I have often wondered if your households are more stimulating than mine is for Fang, but I have to tell you, Fang is rarely alone. He is free roam except at night, due to middle of the night kisses on our faces that wake us up. He gets so much love and attention from us, that I don't believe he has been lonely. When he was younger, my golden would play with him until they were both worn out. My husband and son (age 17) both play with him and love him as much as I do. I only work part time, so I am home a lot! When I teach school, I am home by 3:00. He goes outside with me when the weather is decent, and is with me in the house whenever he is awake. He has everything his little heart desires. He is head of the pecking order around here. Any of us will drop what we are doing to make sure he has his needs met first. He doesn't have to wait to be let out of his cage for *play time*; his play time is anytime he wants it. He has mellowed considerably with age and insulinoma, but is snapping back really well after his surgery and pediapred, and his new love affair with Chicken Gravy. Just this morning he went out with me to hang laundry, and happily romped in the woods right next to my clothesline. (time of the year to start thinking about woodticks.) Sometimes, I wish I had another ferret for him, but I really don't believe he is unhappy. He has been a single furchild since he was first purchased by my ex. It isn't like I took him away from other ferrets and made him live alone in a cage. If I worked full time I would have a buddy for him, but since he is five now, and has insulinoma, I see no need to bring another ferret into the house. We also can't afford another one who might be in need of medical care (more surgeries). I have spent over $1,000. this year on Fang alone. His needs must be taken care of, whatever it takes, for the rest of his life. We have decided that when the time comes to replace our house with ferret feet, we will get two, and bring them up together. Right now, for us, having just one baby works. If Fang was moping around acting sad or lonely, we would have bought him a little friend. (no shelters around here to adopt from, or I would probably have done it already, just from visiting and feeling sad that they didn't have a home.) What I think is sad, is a ferret living alone in a cage, with the owners at work all day. Or those that never get time out of the cage each day. Bob C. told me that having another ferret would help me through the pain when I lose little Fang. I think he is right, and sometimes I think I should just bite the dust and bring a little one home. ( I would have to buy one at the pet store since no shelter with ferrets anywhere near.) Fang might not LIKE another one to have to share with, but maybe I need to reconsider. I have no *for sure* answers about anything, except that Fang is loved beyond words. Happy Tails, Liz Blackburn [Posted in FML issue 3017]