I have wanted a ferret for years and finally traded in my wife for a little fuzzy about six months ago (believe me, it was a great exchange). "Misty is a terrific albino kit and I've also recently adopted "Sabrina", an abused sable from a local rescue. These ferrets have stolen my heart. I have read everything I can find and have made an attempt to become a knowledgable ferret "slave". It's alarming to read so much on-line about ferret adrenal disease and tumors and the terrible losses their "parents" must endure. How prevalent are these problems and what precautions or preparations can reduce the risk of these health problems? Are ferrets more susceptable to these diseases than other pets? It really breaks my heart to read of the tragedies other ferret parents have had to endure. I ran across this little note several years ago and it says an awful lot to me: Dear Loving Mom and Dad, I came in to this world as one of many baby kits - not knowing how long I would live or under what conditions. From the moment you first held me I knew I would be safe and well cared for. I have been so lucky to have been loved by you. Under your kind patience and guidance I learned what to do to please you. And, although I tried very hard, sometimes I didn't remember some of the things as often as I should - like where to find the litter box, or where I hid your keys. We had so much fun playing hide and seek, cat and mouse, and so many other ferret games I loved to play. You bought me many toys, and I loved them all. But I was just as happy with an empty plastic bag or cardboard box. How I loved to hide in your clothes hamper, turn over the trash cans, dig in your drawers, and run in the closet when you left the door cracked. The touch of your hand was heavenly. What joy would fill my heart when you would stroke my fur. And I would giggle and squirm with glee when you tickled my tummy. I would dream of these times when sleeping and anxiously await your return every time you walked out of the door. I loved to sniff in your hair and tickle your ear with my whiskers. You were my life and reason for being. Oh, and how I loved to go exploring with you. Whether riding on your shoulder, in your bag, or on my leash. My acute senses heightened to see, smell, and touch every blade of grass - every flower and bush - and explore every hole, nook, and cranny. As much as I enjoyed being outside - I could never make it alone without you. I was totally dependent on you for my every need and would be lost without you. As we traveled on this earth together we shared many joys and many sorrows - and we did it together. You made my life so worthwhile and gave me a life I would never have had without you. When I became sick and weak I trusted you with my life in every way. I know you did everything possible to make me better, but sometimes there isn't anything anyone can do. And with that loving trust, I knew you would make the right decision for me when the pain and suffering were taking their toll on my ability to enjoy a good quality of life. I am so fortunate to have had such a wonderful person care for me the way you did. It takes a special friend to be able to ease me into a peaceful sleep rather than having me endure pain and suffering for your own selfish reasons. I am in a far better place now and will always love you as you loved me. Please share that love with others as you did with me and that love will be returned 10-fold. For I continue to live in my brothers and sisters yet to come. Your loving ferret! [Posted in FML issue 1063]