Mikette doesn't have much interest in going on the counter these days,but
as a younger ferret she would communicate her desire clearly.  She would
approach me as I stood (defenselessly) washing dishes with wet soapy
hands.
 
First she would lay by my feet with her paws in a little begging stance
"look how cute I am, don't you want me on the counter?"
 
Next she would stand on two paws and vigorously dig at my calf with her
front paws "excuse me, but I would like to be up on the counter"
 
Finally she would bite my calf for all she was worth "Put me on that
counter now!!"
 
At that point I would hop around then pick her up and put her on the
counter.
 
Yup, she was a great communicator.
 
Risa
[Posted in FML issue 4966]