I visited a pet store today while on vacation - just looking for Mazuri. They had a ferret in a big old cage, and she was asleep so I couldn't see her well. But the person working there told me she really needed a home. She said the ferret was supposed to be "spayed but looked like it was in heat." Gosh, I said, that ferret is probably in trouble and should see a vet IMMEDIATELY. On closer look I could just see that she was balding on the back of the neck and who knows what else. I begged the store to take her to a vet but they said the ferret had been just dumped there and there was nothing they could do. Looked like adrenal to me. The person who dumped her just said something about her being about four years old. The employee said she was really a sweet, nice ferret. She was a silver. Oh, my heart ached - I was with my whole family in a crowded car, no carrier, and 200 miles from home. I felt bad all the way home. I just got home and am now writing - near midnight - to see if there's something to be done. Is there anyone in PA who can help? I think there is ferret rescue near Philadelphia maybe? Please don't anyone call up and hassle the store - they were as concerned and sorry as they could be, but the ferret has been just left there and they were hoping someone would come along and know what to do. Oh, I am sorry I did not try to take her with me. Imagine someone who must have owned her for something like four years and then when she got sick, just abandoned her at a pet store. The store is at least feeding and caring for her and they were very upset about it but, I think, not knowledgeable about ferrets. They didn't know about adrenal disease, etc. I told the lady that the ferret was going to die without help and she was obviously upset. So please - if anyone knows what to do - it's in the Poconos - on Rte 209, in East Stroudsburg, close to Marshalls Creek. The store is "For Pet Lovers Only," Strawberry Fields Plaza, 717-421-2862. PLEASE don't hassle or criticize the store people - it's not their fault - they're trying to help in their own sad way. Please don't flame me either - we just barely made the mortgage this month and there's no way I could have paid for the surgery. I feel bad enough already. And if anyone does find a way to rescue her, could you just let me know. I don't think I'm gonna sleep well tonight, or for a while. Kat [Posted in FML issue 1668]