Dear Charlie:
 
>I didn't realize that I was implying you were apart from the ferret
>community.  I was just musing that more and more, I hear the negative
>opinions about vaccinations and I was just commenting generally that
>there is a problem.  It was not directed towards you in any manner.  I
>really, REALLY apologize for making it sound as if I was.
 
Your explanation obviates any apology - a good explanation usually does.
Understanding is a two-way street, and I certainly could have spent more
time searching for the true meaning - usually its in there.  I must admit,
the talk of people who are deciding against vaccination ha made me a bit
testy.  While the atmostphere of the FML has recently been a bit of a
combat zone, I profess to be a non-combatant, and should act more as such!
 
>I was just musing that more and more, I hear the negative opinions about
>vaccinations and I was just commenting generally that there is a problem.
 
Unfortunately, we so often only hear the negative part.  When the vaccine
works as it should, it is "business as usual", and we never hear about it.
I am hopeful that, in this current atmosphere, people will take just a
moment to say - "You know, we took the appropriate precautions, we had
the vaccination, and everything worked out fine!"
 
The FML, by the virute of its being a support system for its members, so
often focuses on the negative aspects of ferret ownership, illness and
tragedy.  Perhaps we need an occasional reminder to appreciate the rest
of the experience, even the mundane, as well.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM
[Posted in FML issue 3242]