Greetings for Coulette No. 421 was swinging in his out door hammy catching a few winks when Bluebird came up to the perch, saw No. 421 and flew down and landed right on his round tummy. She began to peck at his whiskers and finally woke him up. "No. 421, you is invited to a special meeting up at de Big House," she chirped. "I was sent to get you and Oliver cause de Boss requested it. Now, come on, get up and look your best. See you there in a few minutes." With that she flew away. "Hey Oliver," No. 421 called. "Oliver, where are you? Our presence has been requested at the Big House, so slick up your hair and lets go. I took my shower before I started my nap." The two friends hurried up to the path leading to the Big House. An Angel with wings ushered them into a big room with a very long table. The Boss sat at the head of the table and there were Curriers, Greeters, and The Receiving Angel. An executive board that No. 421 and Oliver had never seen took up the rest of the table. The Boss brought down a gold gavel and called the meeting to order. "We have, down at Skye's B&B a ferret dog named Coulette," The Boss said. It has been requested she be allowed to stay in with her ferret family, as she is a ferret at heart. I called this meeting to order to see what you thought. Do you think she could fit in?" No one said anything. Oliver raised his paw and was recognized. He stood, and in a small voice said, he thought a dog would be a big help in the woods. "She could pull a sled with ferrets and wood," Oliver said. "I could use her to bring in the food from the garden. She might be able to help with the mound building as some of the stones and logs are heavy." There was a gentle buzzing as the ferrets thought this over. The possibilities were endless, sleigh rides were always fun, but pulling the sleigh was hard work. They could ride her like a horse; she would not tire as easily as they did. And, someone said, she would be nice and warm on a cold night. Your feet would not get cold walking home. Once in the house, she would be warm to snuggle up to. Oliver was excited because now, he could get the whole days wood into the house in one trip. Coulette was bigger and stronger and she could pull a box of wood very easily. The Boss smiled, Ferrets were really wonderful, they were willing to make room for a "wannabe" ferret and that took a heart of gold. The ferrets from Stonebeary mound were squirming in their chairs. They did not know Coulette had arrived as no one from the Dog Section had sent word. They did have a big mound, and they thought with her help, it could get bigger. They were almost afraid to breath until the final vote. The Boss looked around the table and asked if everyone was ready. Heads nodded and paws were raised. A few were undecided, but the majority ruled. Coulette could stay with her ferret brothers and sisters. Stonebeary Mound was near the Dog Section, so after she checked in, she could come over and stay. Gentle Breeze and Shooting Star were holding Coulette out back of the Big House. Coulette had asked if she could be there even if the vote was no. That way she could see her ferret brothers and sisters one more time. When the courier announced the meeting was over, she started to prance about. Her tail wagged as the Stonebeary Ferrets came out to see her. She had a backpack full of goodies and toys and licked everyone in greeting. They dooked and danced around they were so happy to see their pal. The ferrets climbed up on Coulette's back, and the happy group started off for Stonebeary Mound. Back at their cabin, No. 421 wrote in his logbook that Coulette had arrived. He agreed she would be a big help with the heavier chores, and the way her tail was wagging; he said he didn't think she minded at all. He headed back to his hammy to finish his nap while Oliver decided to pick some raisins and make a hash for their supper. [Posted in FML 7141]