Hi, I lived in Western Mass (S.Hadley, Springfield, Ashfield) for a long time. If your ferret has really left the house there is a chance it has approached people who have taken it in and perhaps given it up to a shelter such as the MSPCA in Springfield(413-785-1221) or to another local vet. If it were mine I would call every possible vet clinic and hospital in the area, put an ad in the paper, search all papers for possible Found ads, list a reward of about $200 since ferrets are highly desireable and difficult to find in MASS right now. I lost my ferret for 4 hours once when he slipped off the leash. He came running when I shook a can of cat food near where he happened to be hiding. Don't beat yourself up over it, though. Guilt feelings are natural but you are obviously caring people and don't deserve to make yourselves unhappy over a freak mishap. Don't give up hope. Your ferret could be warm and safe somewhere in a shelter or someone's home. Good idea to search your house thoroughly. Turn off all appliances that make noise and walk around listening very carefully after shaking a can of food. Listen for struggling sounds in the walls, ceilings etc. Maybe even hire a bloodhound (I'm not joking). They are used to find missing children. Talk to all your neighbors. A friend lost her ferret which was found by the neighbor's child. It bit the child and the child's Dr. had it tested for rabies. You may wish to contact authorities regarding whether any ferrets have been sent for such testing recently. My heart goes out to you, and I hope to see a happy post from you soon telling us your pet has been found safe and sound. Ferret Wanted: A friend of mine is hoping to adopt a ferret. If there is anyone in the Boston area looing for a good home for theirs please give him a call. (617) 268-9794 Ask for George. Call late evenings. Kari Lee Class of 1999, Tufts Vet School PS. Hi to Rudrich's in Framingham! I did get the info from my vet school classmate but moved recently and lost it. Hope all is well with your fuzzies and thanks for thinking of me. [Posted in FML issue 1519]