Marlene, I have to agree with you, we adopted our Scooter from a shelter almost 4 years ago without knowing he was deaf. Being ferret newbies at the time we were able to put two and two together not too long after we brought him home and realized that he was indeed deaf. I just want to agree that I really don't think he has any idea that he is different from the other ferrets at all. They still communicate with each other all the time. The funny part about it, is that Scooter comes when called better than the other two who can HEAR me calling them! The only difference is that Scooter has to be able to see me pat the floor or feel the vibrations. If he sees or feels it, he does not dilly dally, he runs right over to me (or whoever is calling him!) Oly and Annabelle will just look at me and decide if it will benefit them if they come or not! LOL Over all I have to agree that as far as having a deaf ferret, he is no less loving or intelligent that the other two. You would never even tell he is deaf except when I make noises that scare the others (vacuum, blender, opening up a trash bag) he just stands there looking at me like nothing is happening! And Scoots is an unbelievable guy who is so loving and playful... I would not trade his for the world. Now almost 4 year later Scooter has Lymphoma. He is on Pred twice daily and enjoys his soupies. He has been going strong for two months since we received the news. Our goal is to keep him comfy, happy and extremely loved and cuddled for the rest of his time (which we are hoping will be a LOOOONG time!) Have a wonderful Christmas and New year FML friends! Lori Olson, and of course Scooter, Annabelle and Oly :) [Posted in FML 7639]