Hi folks,
 
Now that the ferret community has been offered a genuine apology by Ben
Stiller, it would be great if we could now offer emails with thanks for
said apology, to both Mr. Stiller and to Universal Studios.  It would be
a great gesture to show that although ferret folks can get very testy
when their pets are slandered, we can also very gracefully except a
well-meant apology.
 
In addition, a campaign to flood the Today show with emails and letters
of thanks would be great!  I am very glad that they participated in this
and seemed interested in bringing about some end to the negative remarks
about ferrets.  I know, I know, it was probably mostly because they like
to showcase controversy and whatnot, but still, it was their program and
specifically Matt Lauer who participated in this interview that I think
made a lot of ferret folks feel better (I know it made my day!) You can
email them right from their website or at [log in to unmask]  You can also
write to them at:
 
The Today Show
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
 
and calls can be made to: 212-664-4249
 
A headline like, ""Today" Show Flooded With Emails and Letters of Thanks
for Ben Stiller's Ferret Apology" would only help the image of ferrets
and ferret owners alike.  I think it's important that ferret owners be
noted not only for being quick to jump to the defense of their beloved
pets, but also be quick to graciously accept an apology and thank any
entity that helps bring about some better understanding about ferrets.
 
Letters appreciating Stiller's public apology could be sent to his
publicist at:
 
Nick Stevens
United Talent Agency
9560 Wilshire Blvd. / Suite 500
Beverly Hills, CA  90212
310-273-6700 x2104
310-247-1111 fax
[log in to unmask]
 
So, anyone who's with me, let's flood NBC with ferrety thank-you cards,
and some emails acknowledging and thanking Mr. Stiller for his apology
(which, let's be fair, was probably hard to do, especially on national
TV; hey, not that I'm feeling sorry for him; screw up on nat'l TV,
apologize on nat'l TV!!).  I think that ferret lovers have two very
distinct personality traits - our tails bottle-brush when we hear
negative or abusive things about our little furkids, but we also deeply
appreciate any gesture of kindness towards our pets.  We've shown the
former in this "scandal" - now let's show our latter side!!
 
I am so proud of the ferret community today...our willingness to speak up
when ferrets are given bad press has really paid off!!  Now let's show
'em we're also gracious winners and appreciate someone's affort to say,
"I was wrong to say that."
 
Thanks again, all,
Heather W. in Massachusetts
[Posted in FML issue 4394]