Pain meds don't "put you in a fog" if properly prescribed; no humans, ferrets or any other of God's creatures! Pain is a symptom of "something" wrong and a part of life for those with chronic illness. With relief of pain, active increases and life can, again, be a pleasure. Only if too much medication is given that senses are dulled and life is as nothing. When my little one had surgery, he came home with pain meds. For two days I gave them to him but by day three they made him sleepy and I stopped them because now he didn't need them. If your ferret has pain due to chronic illness, give him the support he needs. Give him pain relief he needs to be able to run and play! You will know when the time comes and you see in his eyes that he isn't having fun any more, when that cuddling isn't bring him happiness or soothing his body and soul. As a human being, you must know that at times analgesia is needed to help with various conditions. If we can't function because of pain should another end our lives when medication could help us be productive again? As long as any creature can feel pleasure in a touch, happiness in the sunshine or that taste of something special treat, how can we say they have no quality of life? When a disease does take over and the pain is too much, you will know. It won't make the decision any easier or the grief any less but you will KNOW. Often we just what them to stay with us forever.But giving pain medication to help their quality of life is not selfishness on our part. It is treatment to relieve the symptoms of a disease. When the disease takes over and pain can no longer be relieved that the quality of life should be questioned. Olivia. Books just wanna be FREE! See what I mean at: http://bookcrossing.con/friend/eyeinfbi [Posted in FML issue 4346]