The weather was beautiful this weekend for the annual Mardi Gras parades
and I decided to take Tataille out and see how he would react to the
crowds, sounds, smells, and sights.  Other than playing in the grass
outside the apartment a few times, he has never been outside for very
long.  I've only had him a few months, and was worried about him getting
scared, nervous, sick, loose, whatever.  Anyway, I put the harness on,
and brought him with me.
 
He was WONDERFUL.  I underestimated the attention he would get.  I'd bet
at least 500 people felt the need to pet him, mostly kids.  Reactions
ranged from extreme fear (wouldn't come near us) to hugs and kisses that
left lipstick on his nose!  I couldn't walk 10 feet without cries of
"look a ferret" from people.  It surprised me how few people knew what
kind of animal he was.  Many people guessed weasel, mongoose, mink,
racoon, etc.  (someone guessed turtle, but I suspect they had been drinking
quite a bit.)   The most asked question (other than "what is it?") was
"does he bite?".  Tataille LOVED the attention, even after two hours of
being held.  I suspected he would tire out, but never even yawned as long
as people were about.  I was worried about him soiling my shirt, but he
restrained himself until we got back to my office (near the parade route)
and promply 'dirtied' the corner.  In the car on the way home, he 'passed
out' on the passenger seat, legs in the air tired.   Once home, he crawled
on the couch next to me and curled up to sleep.  Next weekend I think we
will try a visit to the park. :Ø)
 
[Just watch out for big dogs...]
 
Brian (and Tataille)
 
Brian K. Dore'                 Internet  :   [log in to unmask]
Systems Analyst                U.S. Mail :   PO Box 42770
Computing Center                      Lafayette, LA 70504
University of Southwestern LA  Telephone : (318) 231-6868
 
[Posted in FML issue 0224]