For those who are waiting to hear the news on Gabriel. IT IS GREAT. I picked Gabriel up at the vets. After 13 days of rest and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling on the spinal chord he was alert and ready for change. Arriving back at Ferret Wise, shelter Dad and I allowed Gabriel time to socialize with us. Many ferret kisses were bestowed and nuzzles which we are sure are "thank you so very much". Gabriel was held for some time and then we set him on the floor to evaluate whether we could notice any differences. What we did notice is: the involuntary spasms in the hind end have drastically reduced, he was able to maneuver himself in his hospital cage much better, and the most EXCITING event was that although Gabriel cannot walk yet, IF his spinal column is supported ( held in alignment ) he was able to use his hind legs. One and then two feet were actually motivating across the carpet. THIS IS SO WONDERFUL-- there is the ability to heal... we have made calls... and informed Gabriel that while we know he would like to truck all over the shelter -- he still needs to rest. Gabriel will have a long ride tomorrow ( Sunday) we will be taking him to his new Mom-- who already is so very excited to hear of his progress. ( I will miss him dearly, but know he needs far more attention than a busy shelter Mom can give). Gabriel's Mom will be taking him to the vets early this week for a physical evaluation, and they will begin trying to develop a support and treatment / therapy plan that will allow proper healing in the hopes that Gabriel will again walk and play without a brace or assisting mechanism. I also arrived home from my speaking engagement to see that three more donations had arrived in the mail to help Gabriel on his journey back to ferret health. I would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and generosity. Gabriel will be taking a check for $150 with him to his new vet(s) and we will continue to subsidize him as we are able in his recovery. Dad and I will be producing and mailing thank you notes and "Gabriel" buttons to those who have been so generous and -- hopefully within the next week we will put Gabriel's photo and story on the shelter home page so everyone can meet the courageous boy who wants to get better. Once the Gabriel story is on the home page we will update it with reports on his progress in his rehabilitative home. (I will post everyone when I get confirmation that the "Gabriel story" is entered on our home page http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/index.html ) I would like to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to Trish Curtis who brought Gabriel to my attention. She was alerted to his plight through the DFW mailing list by an inquiry looking for breeder information. Without that contact Gabriel might not be with us today and certainly would not have been afforded the opportunity to heal. Gabriel says "Thanks Trish!" I would also like to say a thank you to mr. oderator Bill Gruber for the FML. Without the networking help of the FML and the ability to tell "Gabriel's Story" we would not have been able to cover the exams, x-rays and treatment to date. The FML is a very useful and informative tool to ferret owners and ferret caretakers. Education is just the beginning to great things that can be accomplished in the ferret community. Thank you Mr. Moderator and readers of the Ferret Mailing List. As long as there is interest we will keep you all informed on Gabriel and his journey to physical wholeness. Fondly in Ferrets, Alicia a grateful shelter Mom [Posted in FML issue 1846]