Well, today (Dec. 6) is my b-day, and I got the greatest present.  His
name is Rootie and he is a 3 yr old tri-colored beagle that we rescued
from the SPCA on Saturday.
 
He is the sweetest thing!  He's very tiny, only 13.4lbs, and I swear he's a
ferret in a dog's body.  He climbs in my lap, eats Totally Ferret (off the
floor under the Herd's cage), tried to get on the coffee table, takes all
the ferret toys and hides them under the bed or on the futon, hates being
on any side of a closed door, and war dances!  It's so funny to watch him
weasel war dance over a pig ear.
 
He seems a little too enthusiastic with the ferts right now.  I introed him
to Slinky, alpha ferret, on Sat., and they did OK while both were leashed.
He wants to pounce on them, though, when they're running around.  So for
now, I'm keeping them separated with the weezl gates, and Rootie stares at
them and sniffs at them from underneath.
 
If anyone has any suggestions on getting the whole gang aquainted, I would
really appreciate it!  (Also some suggestions to help ease Rootie's
separation anxiety :-))
 
On a side note, I was going through my e-mail folders and discovered my
"introduction letter" from BIG for joining the FML.  It was dated 8/7/98.
So I haven't been around here for as long as I thought (feels like a long
time, though!  :-))
 
Oh, and for anyone who's interested, check out the Ferrets Across America
article in this month's Modern Ferret.  That's me!  Cool!  I'm gonna have
to get a whole bunch of copies to send to my family.
 
Lastly, the story of Zeus and his letter home was absolutely wonderful.
Unfortunately it made me cry (I'm at work), so I had to dash to the ladies
room.  I'm so sorry for your loss, but very glad for Zeus's gain.
 
Condolences, love, and hugs to all those who have lost
ones and have sick ones.
 
=====
Aileen & the Herd
Slinky, Gizmo, Kyle, Noel, & Sandy
 
"It is a shameful thing that you should mind these folks
that are out of their wits." -Martha Carrier, condemned Salem 'witch'
[Posted in FML issue 2890]