As a response to a few inquiries, let me be a bit more specific about
what Frost and Rhys do and what they don't do.

Ferrets are too easily distracted to perform all the functions of a
traditional guiding-eye dog or horse (Yes, they use miniature horses
now to assist the blind.). The key is to go with their natural
instincts. A ferret will investigate almost anything, which can give a
needed clue that there is something in the path ahead. My guys do this
by, instead of traveling off the sidewalk on my left, they cut in front
of me and investigate. They will also take the path home, when given
the "Go home" command, the path that we just traveled. They simply
follow their scent trail. I've also noticed that they indicate by an
extra hard pull on the leash when we pass the turn to our apartment.

Teaching them to heel was the hardest part. The rest was more me
learning what behaviors meant what and putting names to them ("Go
home"). The guiding relationship seems to only work with the two of
them together. Frost is the enthusiast and Rhys, though a plodder who
likes to take lots of breaks, is the one that gets the commands right
the majority of the time. You can almost hear Rhys telling Frost, "She
said it's time to go home. Darn it -- Home is the other way!" It takes
the right combination of ferret attitude, willingness to please, and
circumstances to make this sort of partnership work. I wouldn't even
have tried it, if I hadn't already seen great intelligence in a
previous ferret of two; at least, a ferret that fetches on command
seemed vey smart to me at the time.

I wouldn't use the pair in unfamiliar surroundings. As mentioned
before, ferrets are easily distracted. They'd also be more interested
in exploring a new place than listening to me. Think of them as my
back-up.

Oh, and what do Frost and Rhys like to do in their off time? They ride
in a ferret pack to a beach on Lake Erie. There they chase waves, dig,
and even swim.

With respect,
Lori in Ohio

[Posted in FML 6498]