Yes, I know that shelter ferrets badly need homes, and yes, I do know that while there have been claims of "malignancy free" by some breeders a number of the people who wind up with their ferrets report differently. Yes, I know this causes great frustration for those amazing souls who have dedicated themselves to shelters. Still, I understand that person being too hurt right now to be ready to face medical challenges again -- at least now. That is a very common experience. Some get there early, some take a couple of decades, but it is an experience that is not at all uncommon. You may be there yourself someday. May I suggest a completely different approach to this person? Do NOT add another ferret right away if there is not a ferret based reason to do so. Instead, give yourself a year to mourn and get past it. During that time read in reputable health resources such as those in my signature lines so that you know about health beforehand, and save money for medical care if that is also a need. The best way to avoid medical problems or to control them is to know how to recognize them. I do NOT know your situation in relation to health knowledge, but I do NOT know anyone for whom this is not good advice, so... Now, you may think that you don't need to read up on medical things. Here's a tip: even the people who know the most about them, ferret vets, regularly read up on them, and so do reasonably informed ferret people. It is true from our experience that the shelter ferrets we have adopted have usually needed more medical care, but it is also true that conditions in the home impact on health and life span, so controlling what you can control and knowing enough to jump fast, plus having the savings to do so when there is need can make all the difference between still having a ferret around to hug and kiss as opposed to visiting a grave. Take into account, too, how many ferrets you can provide with enough time and with full medical care. Let their needs be what dictate your numbers. For example right now 5 is a better number for us than previous higher numbers, and we simply can't afford to purposely take in ones with severe congenital deformities anymore. Sad, yes, especially the second which was very emotionally rewarding work, but things would be sadder if we weren't honest with ourselves about what limitations we need to provide optimal care. Some things are best treated with time and what can be accumulated over that time; perhaps you should consider giving yourself that gift. I can think of at least twice that one or both of Steve and me needed that year of healing. Nothing replaces it when it is greatly needed. Sukie (not a vet) Current FHL address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth People can join there or can send a blank mail to the automated joining address: [log in to unmask] and then follow the directions. (The second is recommended for those having problems with Yahoogroups web settings, and afterward send a blank mail from your subscribed address to [log in to unmask] to get the digest instead of individual mails. ) Recommended ferret health links: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/ http://ferrethealth.org/archive/ http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/ http://www.ferretcongress.org/ [Posted in FML 5485]