We are working this Holiday-- more than usual . The cages are full the chores willbe done-- but now there is Socks- in critical care. Socks is a 9 year old adopted ferret ( 1996) was rushed here in a flood of tears last night shortly before 11Pm. Socks apparently starved himself for 4 days -- unnoticed by the caretakers who were looking in on him while Dad was away at work. It was upon his arrival home shortly after 10 he looked at him and knew he needed help. The vet is away on vacation-- Socks arrived w/o a call at our door in the middle of the night. We administered heated sub-q ringers- placed him on a heat water bed and coaxed nutrical and chicken baby food. Socks made it through the night. Today he realizes he is not home- he is not happy it is all we can do to keep food going in him . Every 2 hours is the drill though he responds much better to shelter dad than to me. He always was a man's ferret!He has received Dex to stimulate him and we coast on feedings until the vet has hours Monday AM.... Socks is adrenal again- I noticed-- he has a small bald patch on his hind flank-- so I hope we can get him viable to start Lupron depots. He has urine burns on his rear legs because he cannot stand due to malnourished state- he is frail skin & bones - has a cataract in one eye , there are lots of things to tend. We will care for Socks in little steps, he is so very upset as it is. He was formerly given up after being dragged form Michigan to Boston only to have his male caretaker leave him at the shelter to take a job on the road. While Socks new Dad has done wonderfully with him-- Socks does not adjust well to days away-- and is fearful of being abandoned-- so here he is - in the shelter again-- and it is a hard fight to make him accept our care... Why do we bother, he is an old duff ? . Well, that is a thought BUT clearly Socks did not make the choice - but rather was in despair because Dad was working on the road . He has previously survived a blockage (hairball) surgery, an adrenal surgery which pronounced him with liver cancer 2 years ago , and a spinal injury. He has a strong will so though he may be opting to go- or a health problem may be in the cards-- we need to get some labs run, etc. before we call his time. If necessary Dad knows he must return and be at his side, there is no room for absence . Shoot maybe this will be Holiday magic - we can hope.. Meanwhile, we will help Socks along and get him in to the vet ASAP on MOnday ( she will be up for a challenge!) . Unfortunately Dad is on the road again paying the rent -- Who planned for a holiday dinner anyway-- when you have gruel! PLEASE Keep Socks in your prayers- and a little extra sleep time would be a great gift this year for a weary shelter MOM! :) Alicia for the many faces of Ferret Wise www.ferretwise.org [Posted in FML issue 3640]