Well gang, after great contemplation and a listen to our hearts, we have two beautiful little additions to our growing family. Brought home to give our little Bear some much needed ferret companionship, the two little youngsters (still unnamed) are showing great enthusiasm and are as mischievous as we expected. My husband and I wanted to adopt from the local shelter as we always have done before, but unfortunately we weren't getting any calls because of our conditional adoption agreement - we would take only those that were considered unadoptable for whatever the reason. (I have since called the SPCA and have changed it to include ANY ferrets.) It feels like the time is now and both of us are ready to share our hearts once again. So, we ended up purchasing two little 12 week old sable females. I personally think that they are not sable only. Although they are sisters, one has a white head with a large grey blaze on the forehead with a smaller white blaze in the center of the grey. Her sister is much greyer in the head, although it's light enough to distinguish it from the grey, with a small white blaze on her forehead. Both have black banding around the shoulders with black legs and white feet, as well as a dark patch of hair that seems to join the front shoulders with the back end. Both tails are black. This may be a panda or a mix... anyone have any ideas on what they could really be? Well, interestingly enough the "breeder" was "Real Canadian Ferrets". The adoption included a spay/neuter and descent guarantee, a free visit to the vet, and a signed international health certificate stating the ferrets were in good health at the time of their spaying. For the most part, it seems like everything is in order and from the look and boucyness of the two girls, they are visibly healthy. No water eyes, good strong bites on the fingers that didn't hurt or draw blood, and good strong legs. Ears are clean. Their teeth look good and their feet are in good shape. They feel and smell right. My question: does anyone know of the vets from Morden Veterinary Clinic in Morden, Manitoba, Canada? The vets listed on the certificate are: Mylia Richards DVM, Mariko Boorberg DVM, Jacquline Enns DVM, David Hamilton DVM, Josh Poppe DVM, and Rick Wiens DVM. So, now the fun stuff starts. After looking at and reviewing the diet list from Bob C. as well as talking into consideration his ferret biology lessons, the best thing that I can do now is give these two girls a good start in life by feeding them more "natural" meats and cutting way back on the dry food. After seeing the damage that years of dry kibble did on my other ferrets teeth, the change is not only worthwhile but absolutely necessary. It's time to put into action all the things that I have learned in the last little while from this list. Names: I saw the movie Mulan, and loved the name, Mushu. Can anyone tell me if this name means little dragon? The one little girl is indeed a fiery little dragon. If anyone could tell me a name that means that in either Chinese, Japanese or Russian, it would be greatly appreciated. The other little girl loves to scratch on the pillows and loves to sneak attack. She seems to scare easily. I would like to have names that are similar in origin (Chinese, Japanese or Russian) but not necessarily similar in sound. You may e-mail privately if you prefer. My sympathies on all the fuzzies that have gone on to a higher realm and support hugs to those of you giving care to your sick little ones. Hugs and wet ferret lickies to the rest! That's all for now! Betty and her Blur O'Fur [Posted in FML issue 2515]