We saw the White Coats today and Ripley got a clean bill of health (no worms, no heartworms, no Lyme, etc.) He will get the big snip on Feb. 7th. The vet estimated that he is 3 years old so we will go with that. The little guy has had two mistakes in the house today so I can't really say that he is completely housebroken, but he certainly knows that he did something wrong and definitely recognizes the word NO. I think he just doesn't stay outside long enough. I have started walking with him in the yard, on a leash, to coax him to stay out a little longer and direct him to the places he has gone before but with his shaved little body and the temp in the 20's today with snow on the ground I can't say that I blame him! I know he'll catch on quickly. Bella is still quite amazed that he is here as are the kitties.