I wanted to than everyone who responded to my previous request for advice and suggestions about the extended care of a deathly ill ferret. I deeply appreciate the outpouring of encouragement, support, and advise. The baby ferret is recovering well, and her condition is stabalized at this point. We have named this baby "Hope." Hope is now alert, and able to walk. She is getting lots of loving care from my husband and I, and she is expected to make a full recovery. The vet suspects she has Influenza. She has a swollen scabbed over vulva (which was caked in feces when I got her). She is loaded with ear mites. She is on a lot of antibiotics, and thankfully, is showing termendous improvement. She no longer needs iv fluids - she is rehydrated and eagerly accepting handfed baby food, nutritional supplements and liquids. Once her body is a little more replinished, she will be able to have mushed up ferret food added to her diet over the next few days. I created a website about the abuse this animal has endured, as well as the indifference of Pet Supermarket that let her just wither away. Some of the pictures I posted are horrific, but pictures can say so much more than words. http://www.robandmellisa.com/hope.html I have also notified Marshall Farms via phone, and am providing them with complete documentation, including pictures of the abuse this animal suffered. All documentation, as well as a written statement from our vet will be given to the Pet Supermarket corporation, the local humane society, animal control, news media, the Better Business Bureau, and anyone else that will listen. I am furious that this abuse was allowed to happen. Thank you all again for all the suggestions and advise. I will continue to post updates on Hope's progress! Mellisa (Cid, Boo, and Hope) http://www.robandmellisa.com/hope.html [Posted in FML issue 3808]