Okay, this is strange. Something really struck me about myself and my
ferrets. I love the sensation of them mouthing me or my hands. I had
taken a break from the little buddies for a long while, and not handled
them much because of spring allergies. Of course I couldn't stand it
any longer and sat on the floor in full out play the other day. Well,
Blacky really kept grabbing my hand and trying to "take me with him"
underneath the furniture and things. It dawned on me that this sort of
play would probably be perceived as too rough for some people who are
not used to ferrets, BUT that not only did this "biting" not bother me,
I craved it. I ended up turning the little critter on his back and hand
wrestling him so that he kept doing it. I always thought that I loved
playing with ferrets just because they are fun, cute, entertaining,
soft, and because they are socially engaging. It never occurred to me
that I really love the way their mouth feels on my hands and how I love
the communication between us and the sensation of it all. I don't know.
I like the firm pressure. Have you guys ever thought about it? I bet
not. I mean I never have in all of these years. Maybe if you take a
vacation or something and are around other animals for a bit ... then
see your ferrets you'll notice it now that I said something.

The other thing was that struck me was the total trust we had in each
other. I have birds and you cannot trust them for two seconds. They are
not domesticated, they are wild. All birds are. They are temperamental,
independent little things. They can bite in a heartbeat and not mean
it ... or mean it. Cats ... well, kitties scare me a little. Once again
if you don't mind your P's and Q's around them, it can feel like they
will turn on you. They can get angry very easily and bite or scratch
you. I have never had a ferret turn on me in over 25 years. Never. I'd
anticipate a dog could or would, in some unusual cases, turn on me in
defense, fear or anger before a ferret ever would. I've seen the most
docile, loving, sweetest dogs get taken off guard by the shock of a
paw getting stepped on or something and the dog forgetting itself and
snapping at whomever caused the pain. Usually they catch themselves and
feel very badly. Sometimes they don't catch themselves in time ... and
feel very badly. So does the person who gets snapped at or bitten. A
ferret could be terrified, in excruciating pain, angry, and even in
danger of death ... and they won't turn on you. That trust is such a
very, very special thing. I find it quite unique and such a comfort.
Have you guys ever felt that a ferret has a more level temperment or
something than your other pets?

[Posted in FML 5578]