Just a quick update for those already familiar. Squeek's off prednisone, and will finish Baytril soon. He's gained nine ounces since the onset of his illness six - yes, six! - weeks ago. No improvement on balance, but he's been scratching his left ear with a hind leg and licking soft food on his own! Usually after I post, I see some improvement, so watch out for news on Monday (hope, hope...) For those who don't know (and are curious), Squeek is three and one\half months old and grew ill exactly six weeks ago - seems like a century. His temp was low and fluctuating and he was completely limp. His balance was never great, came from a litter of neural tube babies (three, two born dead, one dying after twenty-four hours), but he was otherwise normal.) If anyone wants more specifics, just ask - he's had the regular battery of tests. Now he can't hold up his head or walk and he needs to be hand fed (though he'll sometimes lap soft food on his own with physical assistance on my part). he obviously enjoys walking in the backyard (heading for corners like any fert would do) while I hold up his head and neck. We're working to strengthen his neck muscles and improve coordination there, as well as doing many other physical therapy techniques - massage, bicycling of legs, help with crawling (he can't crawl in a straight line himself; (though he does okay crawling next to a wall), dinosaur walking (standing on back legs and slowly walking to improve coordination). Lots of loving words, too, are bestowed regularly, and he's my best lap ferret, of course. Mom, Claudette, has become a complete love bunny since the illness began - I think she's saying thank you for everything we've done, and it's so sweet of her. (She still can't resist my toes - ouch! - and is more-than-ever playful and has lost her mommy fat). Thank you so, SO, SO, VERY much to you special people who have written and/or continue to write. The letters really help inspire hope. And, boy do I have some amazing animal recovery stories!! Dayna's recent recovery story (though very different) was wonderful. Boy, Dayna, your stories are amazing - keep it up!! Your fuzzy karma is off the scale I'll bet!! Thanks, Squeek and mom Claudette [still licking away at her baby, and playing a bit with him, as does her true love Tarzan; though her daughter (from her first litter) is the typical mean big sister (sorry nice big sisters!) and will bite his little nose, given a chance - she's not!].... boy what a long closing!!... And Lynn Mc, plus the rest of the Gang of Nine P.S. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a visit from the infamous Bob, having bribed him with Hungarian food, nine ferrets, a hose and showerhead in the backyard (for the ferrets, not Bob, although...), and a meeting with some official AUSSIE (LOS breeding program) ferrets. If he stops bye, a report will certainly follow - Squeek wants to meet him and get some new exercises, too!! (my ulterior motive, to pick Bob's fecund mind as to rehab techniques/devices for our Squeekers!!!) Bye for now, Lynn P.S. In case I never mentioned it, the funny thing on Claudette's neck that looked like a 3/8" hat (outside red, inside a white bump) is gone!! Thank goodness for really huge favors! I called my vet immediately after seeing it, then the next day it was lighter, the next nearly gone - very weird, and all the babies are going to get an exam - by us - this weekend, for lumps, bumps, etc. Have a great weekend, and loving, healing thoughts to all sick fuzzies, that they may heal and soon play gleefully. [Posted in FML issue 1594]