What's all the fuss about descenting? As a veterinarian, I have descented more than a few ferrets using both the "doggie method" and the other procedure. Neither method is "cruel and/or unusual". I do not understand why it would be considered as such? Last year I adopted an intact male from an institution. He was a lovable little guy, but the STENCH in my house was not! And I do mean STENCH. My only choice was to descent. Wally Olliebear did not "suffer unbearably". He had an analgesic in case of post surgical irritation (I've never had surgery back there myself. Anybody want to comment?) which is quite appropriate. He was up and hopping about right after he recovered from anesthesia. My point is--if the smell is that bad, descent. If it's not and you don't want to have your pet's anal sacs removed, that's OK too. The surgery is NOT a cruel procedure to perform on an animal if done properly. It does seem to produce better results if performed early in the ferret's life. As for being light years behind Germany on "cruelty" issues--judging from the country's past history--I'd like to stay that way. Michelle S. Jones [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1148]