Just a month before I joined the FML, over two years ago, my Max died of adrenal disease. He was 9 1/2 years old and had lived with this disorder for about 4 1/2 years. My vet at the time did not have a lot of experience with ferrets, but for the most part seemed to know what he was doing. The year I saw Max's hair fall out, I found Modern Ferret - an issue from either the first or second year. I was astounded to see that other ferrets had experienced this disease, and showed the article to my vet. He agreed that this was the problem, but said that surgery was out of the question for my Max, as he was too old at 5 years of age. So Max lived out his remaining years, getting weaker and weaker, with us feeling helpless and at a loss of what to do for him, suffering with him on his bad days, and rejoicing on his good days. Finally he became incontinent, and then eventually succumbed to the disease. Then I joined the FML and found out that ferrets were having surgeries well into their geriatric years and surviving! It was too late for my Max, but it will never be allowed to happen again. Knowledge is power. If I had known back then what I know now, Max might still be with me today. He'd be 11 1/2 years old. Now, that would have been something. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of what might have been... The greatest thing a person can do, is to learn everything they can about what they are dealing with. For my Max, it was too late. But for the ferrets who came into our lives after his passing, their lives have already been improved, and I owe that to the FML. The knowledge I have gained from here is irreplaceable and worth its weight in gold. And best of all, I get to be a part of this group and the process that helps others gain knowledge that may one day save the life of another ferret, or at least extend it. What more can I say? I am completely in your debt. Betty and Her Blur O'Fur For the Love of Ferrets... [Posted in FML issue 3146]