No one asked or mentioned it, but I thought I'd set your minds at ease.
Yes, I did wash Kansas Dad's iPod with his gym shorts when it was only one month old.
Yes, we did order a new one.
But, the original one seems to be working fine after sitting idle for a week, drying out. Apparently, getting washed in a low-water-usage-washing-machine is merely flirting with danger, not certain death.
Though Kansas Dad suggested we keep the new iPod for me to use (what an ingenious way to get an iPod for myself!), we hadn't opened it yet so decided to return it.
Now you know.
Happy Thanksgiving!