Moose didn't survive surgery, dying just after the procedure was completed. Surgery revealed metastatic neoplastic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, liver, spleen, stomach and spine. The pancreatic tumor was thumb-sized and had caused pancreatitis, which was the first symtoms I noticed a few days ago. In the necropsy, it was also present in the lungs and right kidney. This is a very fast-growing terminal cancer, and by the time Moose displayed any symptoms, it was too late to help him. Moose was in obvious pain and distress, and if he had not died on his own, I was prepared to help him escape his misery. It didn't come to that; Moose never woke up after surgery. Per my instructions, no heroic efforts were taken to revive him; he was allowed to leave with peace and dignity. Moose was 6.25 years old, obtained from a private breeder, and was a rather small silver mitt that was neutered when 6 months old. He was no bigger than many larger females (and smaller than Trillian), but he could intimidate the largest hobs in my house. Except for a mild flu not long ago, and a very minor gastrointestinal problem a few years back, Moose was healthy and active until the end. Moose was my play hound, never saying no to a sack or ball or giant looming hand. He had the blackest nose, the happiest disposition and the most energetic weasel dance I have ever seen in ANY ferret. He never put a tooth to human skin; even as a kit, he was gentle in play. And he always used the box. What a good monkey! Moose, Stella and Daye where the first ferrets I bought after moving to Missouri from CaCaLand, a significant return to owning ferrets (prior ferrets were when I was a photojournalist in Texas and Arkansas, which had died of old age in CaCaLand). It is kind of funny; it was owning a ferret that made me study mink for my zoology degree, and it was knowing about mink which made me want to know so much about ferrets. Wanting to give Moose, Stella and Daye the best life possible spurred my intense study of ferrets and mustelids in general. Several years later, in that same quest, I stumbled upon the FML. So in a very real sense, if it wasn't for Moose, I wouldn't be here today. We can both blame Moose. A couple of vet students have borrowed Moose to learn about fresh (not preserved) ferret anatomy and to study the effects of neoplastic disease. When they are finished, his skeleton will be donated to research. In this way, future vets can have more than a general knowledge about ferrets before seeing the real thing, and Moose's memory will live on as a precious gift to better science and human--and ferret--kind. I can think of no better way to put meaning to his death than by the donation of knowledge that may help other ferrets. I want to thank all who sent good thoughts his way. It was very kind and sweet. Thank you. Its been a long, hard month. I have a Moose-sized hole where my heart used to be. Goodbye, you rotten little sock thieving booger. Bob C and 16 Mo' Saddened Ferts (Missing Moose, Crystal and Apollo) [Posted in FML issue 2721]