I came home at 9:30 tonight to find my 5yr old hob George pawing at his mouth and very lethargic. Thanks to the experience I have had reading the FML, I immedately called my vet, and convinced her to see him tonight. By 11pm he was in surgery for a blockage. I am so grateful that I took him in right away instead of waiting to see if he was better in the morning. His temperature was down to 94 and his heartrate was only 150--much lower than ferret normal. I'm happy to report that Dr. Schiller just called me (It's 12:45) and Georgie is waking up from the aenesthesia. The cause of the problem--a Cherry Pit! I have no idea where he got it. I have not had cherries in over a year. He must have had it in a hidden stash somewhere. Tomorrow I will give the place a VERY thourough cleaning! Anyway, all is not completely well, as he is having a few complications, but at least he is at the vets where he has a chance. If I had gone to bed, I am quite sure I would have awakened to find him gone. Please keep him in your thoughts--I could not bear to loose him. Both Schnitzel and Detinue have been very supportive tonight--ferret kisses to wash away the tears. In any case, I am grateful to those who have posted the stories about their own bouts with a blockage--I might not have recognized the symptoms otherwise. Thank You All! Jen [Posted in FML issue 1624]