I took Meep to our vet yesterday and he found a large mass in Meep's abdomen. He recommended that I take Meep to Dr. Miquel for surgery as soon as possible, so we made the trip up this morning. We have been force feeding Meep through the weekend, and he was responding fairly well - a little more energy and wanting his raisin ration! I stayed while Dr. Miquel did the surgery, but instead of a tumor which could be removed he found a lympho(sarcoma?) that was quite large - about the size of a pecan shell and that had integrated itself into several areas of Meep's intestines. He felt that there was nothing that could be done to cure Meep and we made the decision to let Meep pass without waking. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and the tears are streaming just writing this note. Meep was our first ratty baby and was so sweet and such a people ferret - always greeted people when they came to the door. He had definite ideas about where my husband's socks belonged and his special spot where he wanted his raisin and another where he wanted his Ferretone. I've brought him home with me to be buried on the mountain lot where we will be building next summer. Daisy sniffed him for quite a long while, and came back several times as if to be sure he was really gone, then promptly nipped my ankle! Thanks so much to everyone who wrote to me about force feeding - I appreciate your help so much and I will try an write personal thank-yous when I feel I can. Sandee - watch out for my sweet boy, we will miss him so. Karla and Daisy [Posted in FML issue 3608]