>...before then, I have to bring myself to removing the name plate from >the cage..." It might make you too sad to see it, but maybe it would make you feel like he was still a part of your business in the future if you kept his name up; I have a big blanket that wonderful Sue from Okeechobee (check out her goodies and shelter kids at http://www.craftyferret.com) made with my first two ferrets' names embroidered on it (I still have those two ferrets) and since I've added to my crew, I've had their names added to the blanket, and it makes me smile whenever I see all their names there, even the three that I've lost. It's a way to kind of keep them all together for me. I also have a "decorate your own" food bowl I got from the Ferret Store that I add names and each ferret's pawprint to as I adopt them, though two of my babies aren't on there b/c I just started the bowl this past year. Jut something to consider if you can't bring yourself to take down his name... Peace to you, and I'm so sorry for your loss. -April AC [Posted in FML issue 4358]