Hi Peggy,
Like you, I said I would not get anymore ferrets after mine died....too
painful.  Well, that lasted about a month and a half.  I went to our local
SPCA and adopted 2 brothers.  I also have a large 90ish lb German Shepard.
What I did was introduce them a little everyday.  In the beginning, I had
to hold her collar while my ferrets were out.  It's been about 8 months
now and they love to play.  I still supervise them becuase my dog is so
big, she could hurt them without realizing it with her paws.  But I do not
have to hold on to her anymove.  Believe it or not she is extremely gentle
with them.  One of my ferrets, imparticular, likes to bite my dog.  My dog
licks him after he does!!  My little guys are usually soak and wet when
they are done playing!!  Good luck with yours, I am sure they will do
fine.
 
Amy
[Posted in FML issue 3642]