I was visiting with a friend tonight and asked to play with her ferret, Sprite, which I also had not seen for a while. When I took her from the cage, the first thing I noticed was a "skin condition" with red patches which she was scratching. Then I noticed the classic "adrenal gland" balding on the rump. The poor little thing was also extremely skinny - I assume from the adrenal gland disease, but her energy level was still good. Unfortunately, while my friend means well, she is not nearly as educated on ferret health issues as she should be. I informed her that it looked like Sprite needed adrenal gland surgery, and she told me there is no way she can afford to get that done. The owner of said ferret was diagnosed with lupus shortly after acquiring the ferret. Her health has been very bad to the point that she can no longer work, and often sleeps about as much as most ferrets. So when she says she cannot afford to get the surgery done, I am sure that is probably true. I don't think she would have adopted Sprite had she known she was about to get so sick herself. In fact, I don't know for sure but I get the impression that she does not feel well enough to give Sprite the time and attention she needs in addition to lack of money for the surgery, which brings me to the point. I feel so bad for this little one, but my babies have undergone 2 surgeries this year, and I was out of work for a good portion of this year, so I cannot afford to pay for this surgery either. It breaks my heart to see her sick though. When I picked her up, she immediately started giving me kisses on the check. I almost started crying. I feel a little odd asking this, but would anyone on the FML be willing to donate anything to help get this surgery done? I would be willing to donate what I can afford, which is not enough for the surgery, but every little bit helps. Or, would anyone want to adopt this this little girl? I feel bad asking this knowing that so many shelters are overflowing with sick ferrets already, but I don't know what else to do, and I feel I must try to do something. I also intend to ask around among my soft-hearted friends to see if anyone is willing to help. If anyone would be intersted in adopting this little girl, the location is Greenville, SC. She is a very sweet little girl. This is her second home, and I hate to see her shuffled to yet another home, but at the same time I am pretty sure her current owner is not physically able to give her the attention she needs. She used to have a companion that she was very bonded to, but he passed away. So I think she would get along well with other ferrets. She does not bite, but I am told she will nip ankles every once in a while to get attention. I would consider taking her myself, except that I know I cannot currently afford to get the surgery done either. I think she is about 5-6 years old, which I hope is still young enough to be a surgical candidate. If anyone would be willing to donate anything to this cause or to adopt this little one, please contact me at [log in to unmask] or (864) 268-9604. No flames please, as this is not my ferret, and I am trying to do whatever I can to help her. Holly Tigger & Pooh [Posted in FML issue 3612]