Dear Everyone,
I can't believe I am asking this, because I am usually johnny-on-the-spot
advising people to get caretaking breeds (and from shelters and rescues,
for Pete's sake!) to pal around with their ferrets, but.... here's the
story:
 
My mother has had to move in with us.  She always said that after my father
died, she would get a dachshund.  Since she is very depressed and has
limited tolerance for the babies' antics (and Rustle and Archie are
exemplary in their behavior, by the way, no kidding), I suppose I will have
to get her something.  Myself, I am not over the death of our border collie
(rescue) last year, but that is irrelevant; my mother deserves her own
little poofette.  Mom is fragile and senile and therefore not a candidate
for something beyond a fifi-type.  But these little dogs all seem so ....
snappish?  Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, but Russ and Archie come first
and the thought of an ill-tempered pooch hurting them is frightening.  Any
breeds that anyone could recommend?  Dachshund would be her choice, I have
heard that bichon frises get along well with other animals, my friend has a
Yorkie who tolerates her ferrets (though I thought terriers would not be
the best combo)... any suggestions, guys?
 
And yes, some of you would recommend a cat... that would be perfect, but
some of us are highly allergic to cats, and with three asthmatics in the
house, we wouldn't be able to adopt one because we would have to find
another home for it in a matter of days.
 
The quicker the reply the better, before I do something impulsive.
(There's a reason ferrets and I get along so well!)
 
thanks a lot,
Jenni
[Posted in FML issue 2741]