>My parents won't let me get another ferret to replace Snuggles, but I can >tell Cuddles is extremely lonely with no other ferrets around. Are there >any suggestions of how I can convince them, or what I can do to make her >feel happier? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Adrianne, First, I am sorry to hear about your recent loss. I can tell you from sharing a similar experience and some research that ferrets can bond to their ferret companions to a great degree, perhaps even more than to their human ones. Even with a replacement buddy, your Cuddles may never be quite the same. However, dependent upon the "new" ferret, Cuddles mood may improve markedly. In fact, it can increase both the quality and span of her life tremendously. This is a *perfect* opportunity to go to a rescue shelter and adopt a similarly aged ferret. You see, ferrets are more smell oriented than looks, so you need not worry too much about what color, but more on Cuddles' own reaction to a prospective partner. You never can predict how two ferrets will behave upon introduction, and even some "rougher" introductions can turn into close bedfellows. But, occasionally, it is *love* at first sight. I am not talking about you, but Cuddles (after all, most ferret folk experience this with *every* ferret!). But this is why shelters are so great. Providing your ferret has a clean bill of health, most shelters have no problem allowing numerous "introductions" to find a partner Cuddles warms up to. This is one pretty good way to help avoid the flip side of some pairings also; the never ending battle! And shelters often offer well-cared for and healthy ferrets abandoned for various reasons(or excuses). Why a ferret of the same age? Well, while some could say a baby may perk things up, with their boundless energy, a baby can actually drive Cuddles into further withdrawal by just being too much for her. It happens. One thing for certain: with a suitable companion, Cuddles can be a much healthier and happier ferret, period. Cuddles affect, and yours, if depressed over the loss, can jeopardize her health and even shorten her life considerably. Adrianne, keep in mind time is an important factor here. The longer you wait, the deeper entrenched Cuddles' feelings of loss may become. She may become extremely lethargic as time passes, and she may even stop eating as these cases have been reported, making it all the more challenging to bring her out of it. By promptly going to a rescue and adopting a new and suitable ferret companion, you will be doing the community, Cuddles, and *yourself* a good and great service and demonstrating a social and emotional conscience and responsibility. A formidable argument by any measure. In the mean time, spend a little "extra" time with Cuddles if you can, remembering to act "happy" around her as pets often sense and even appear to draw upon their owner's mood. Bring in some new toys, treats, or tubes, or even just a paper bag to crinkle keeping her active. Finally, be prepared to listen and respect your parents' reasons or rationale as this will help insure you will receive the same from them. Adrianne, it is important that *everyone* concerned is comfortable with this decision and it is your responsibility that you make the best for you and Cuddles of whatever decision is reached. best wishes, until next time, alphachi PS. Good luck to you and Cuddles. [Posted in FML issue 2201]