Let's get the sad stuff out of the way real quick - I have lost three fosters that came to my home fairly quickly. Some may remember the store of Cupcake and Mira - they were 6 and 7. Lost Cupcake within 36 hours and Mira 6 weeks later on Dr. Weiss' operating table. BUT, I would not have traded that little time with them for anything. Cupcake was near death when she arrived, but for a few hours, she was up and about outside in the sun with us, relishing in the attention she was receiving, slept curled up under my chin and when the seizures would not stop, she had someone to hold her when she crossed the bridge, she had someone to cry for her and someone to wait for. My 6 weeks with Mira were fantastic, her loss was devastating because she was so full of life, but again, she had 6 weeks to make up for all the terrible time. We also lost Sarah after about 3 months, she was about 7 also, had insulinoma and bilateral adrenal. She had a home with lots of friends and attention and became very loving, following me around and sitting on my foot until I gave her more chicken gravy!! My other oldsters stories are much happier. My Moe who came to live with us this past January is closing in on 9 and the most lovable thing in the world!! He does not play much anymore, but is always up for a treat and still climbs up into your lap for attention and eventually a very long nap. He may not be around for a long time, but he has been the single most rewarding ferret experience I've had!! He is so full of love and appreciation for what you do for him. If everyone could meet a Moe, all of us would have a special spot in our home for an old guy or two!!! The next oldster in our home is Jack, who about 6, but still thinks he is a 12 week old kit!! He is by far the 'worst' ferret I've ever met! He gets into everything, attacks you, no trash can is safe from him! He had surgery in May for insulinoma and his pancreas should precancer cells of the type that will slough off and manifest in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. But so far, he is great! I was just bragging the other night how he has picked up so much weight again and has another incredible winter coat. He is a silver mitt blaze and is by far the most striking ferret to come into my home! Yes, that is mommy boasting.... But, Jack is a great example of how 'normal' an old guy can be. He outlasts the 2 year olds during playtime, takes the shortest naps and gets into the most trouble!! He is my special little fugitive, he was sentenced to death for being vicious (he is deaf) and I kinda sprung him from a humane society type shelter well over two years ago. Not vicious at all, just a problem child!!!!! We also have Barney living with us who is close to 6. He came home with Moe. Great big lovable guy, very active. Has become the big brother and favorite playmate for Pooh, new baby that came home from KiSta. Funny to see such a large ferret being attacked by this tiny little 10 week ball of fur!! But Barney is so gentle, he is the perfect companion for Pooh. Anyway, these are just some of my experiences with older ferrets. Guaranteed as long as I am drawing breath, there will be old ferrets in my home!!! If you have never experienced the joy, you have no clue what you are missing!! Hugs to everyone, Jen and Gang [Posted in FML issue 3226]