This little guy is just SOOOO sweet! AAWL authorized me to take him to the vet today for distemper shot & evaluation. What I thought was a tumor on his lower back is indeed just that. They authorized surgery (and biopsy) for next Tuesday. Meanwhile, the growth isn't affecting his movement in the slightest, and other than his knobby lump he's "the picture of health." Doc Ole estimates his age to be somewhere between 4-8 (I said 3-6, `cause he's still QUITE lively & curious). His grainy poo is less grainy and firming up nicely now that he's got real ferret food, water, and isn't having to contend with the stress of being ... (I'm being kind here) ... "lost." Other than that, no masses (other than the one, obviously), no enlargements, no fur loss. A little sneezy, but not NEARLY so bad now that he's been properly bathed! And yes, he LOVED his bath ... zoned out on his back like he was rafting in a luxury resort pool in the Bahamas! LOL! Yes, I AM working HARD at not becomming attached! On the real plus side, he's already got several folks interested in adopting him once he's through his ordeal. For those of you who may be concerned about my fostering this very endearing but health-history-unknown little guy, I AM NOT KEEPING HIM AT HOME!!!!!!! I'm keeping him at the office (hubby is being very tolerant, in a martyred sort of way), and when arriving home go STRAIGHT to the shower and do a total head-to-toe, then wrap my clothes in the towel to transport them and it to the washer ... hot water, bleach, detergent, then a SECOND wash in just water. Now then ... a question (IS BOB C. AROUND???????) : if he DOES have something nasty (ECE, etc.), is it transferrable to rats, also, or only within family??? If hubby does not remain so tolerant, my next option is my son's guest house (totally seperate, seperate air, etc.), but that's where the ratties are at present. Please advise ... and say a prayer or think kind thoughts on the morning of July 2nd for this little darlin's stamina & speedy recovery. Thanks ~ Peri (& Mr. Jelly Roll & Muki "Da Mukster") [Posted in FML issue 4191]