I visited a pet store in Ocala, Florida yesterday. They had one really sweet female ferret in a nice cage with towels, toys and food. She came up to me and rubbed her head on my finger, she's so pretty and affectionate. I had to hold her, one of the employee's got her out for me. Her tummy was all swollen, and she had no hair at the base of her tail, she stayed in my arms and didn't figget. I asked the employee how old she was, and he replied " about 6 months old". I asked him if he had told their Vet about the patch of missing hair and the swollen tummey. Price was $124.99. I offered these people $50.00 in the hopes that they would take it. I told them that I was no expert, but this little gal seemed to need some Doctoring. You get no guarantee other than 24 hour.....could someone tell me if this little girl can get sick at age 6 months, or if its a lie, and she is indeed older. Does hair loss at the base of the tail mean Adrenal disease? Please don't think me cheap for offering the $50.00 but I'm a single parent, and I know that quality Vet care doesn't come cheap. I prepared to take on this little life, but I know nothing of what to expect. I read the list daily, and capture all the medical info I can from it, but that still doesn't prepare you mentally for the anguise your little sick friends go through. I would really like it if anyone in the Ocala area could go to the Store (especially if you have a rescue) and see if you can't force the store to get her the medical attention she needs. I would donate all I could to your Shelter. I know that this goes on all the time, and she really is being fed and watered. Sincerely Cheryl Please don't flame me....I know that there are many crisis going on! But I'm a novice ferret owner. [Posted in FML issue 1932]