Jenny, Cosmo, and the Nameless Fert: How about Nostrdamas? <G> I once had a rat named Anaxemander. I figure it doesn't matter what I name them since they're never going to have to spell it. Carpets and digging: My solution to carpet wear was to buy a $50 6X9 fake persian from Home Depo. It's attractive enough in my post-student/OPF (other people's furniture) style, and if it developes a distinctly ferret-rubbed 'personality', I can replace it cheap. They actually have some rather nice area rugs! Not a natural fiber in them, but the designs are nice. Medical: I am planning to adopt a ferret from a shelter near Hamilton. Because of Monster's age (4), I am getting a large neutered Hob (hopefully big enough to hold his own) who has never had a problem with other ferrets. The operator has had problems placing this little guy because of (what seems to me) a small medical problem. When he was neutered (undecended testicals), the vet discovered one kidney was emptying into a sack rather that draining into the bladder. So, for the last 2 years, he's done well on one kidney. What kind of problems can I expect with age? (He's about 2.5-3 yrs now). I'm happy to give the little guy a home, but am I more likely to need to buy him his own T-bills for the future than without this problem? Post direct if prefered to [log in to unmask] (My vet is generally good, but not much ferret-specific knowledge) Hope all ferrets all well and stealing socks, avacados, RAM, etc. <G> Megan and Monster. [Posted in FML issue 1470]