Condolences to those that have lost loved ones of all leg-counts. Though I'm certain that some ferrets have deep-enough emotions that they can actually either get seriously ill, or even die, from missing their previous homes, the two-dozen-plus ferrets that I have taken in have not shown such emotional loss. It might be due to any number of reasons, but I'd like to think that it was because of the environment that I've provided them, once they've come to live here. As with many that have suffered a broken heart, in most cases, time can heal all wounds. However, a good, loving and happy environment can give a major boost to that healing. I've seen ferrets come up, one at a time, to "say Good-Bye" to another dying ferret. I've seen cagemates pile on a sick ferret in order to help keep the sick one warm. I've seen ferret take food from a dish and bring it to a ferret that wasn't feeling well. I've even had ferret make a point of grooming me and nuzzling me, in order to get me out of a state of depression or exhaustion. Not only do ferrets have emotions - they have (at least, from what *I've* seen) very strong emotions. They share these emotions, too. Knowing that ferrets (and my cat, too!) have and share emotions, I am willing to believe that a ferret can actually grieve for the loss of a cagemate/playmate/care-taker. I can also believe that some ferrets can feel the loss so strongly, they can even die. I know that *my* grief at the loss of a ferret is one of the strongest emotions I've ever felt. I think it would be extremely arrogant of me to think that my ferrets can't feel those same types of emotions. --- Todd and the Fuzzbutt Rodeo Clowns http://leuthold.lancaster.pa.us/Page2/ [Posted in FML 5509]