>But the thing that had me in fits was when he said, "But you gotta
>watch them with babies.  They kill babies.  They eat their throats out and
>crawl in their mouths and suffocate them."
 
Yeah, that does appear to be an all too common misconception.  Heard it for
the first time many years ago from my own brother no less who was visiting
us with a two year old.  In the absence of conflicting evidence people tend
to believe (and remember) things like that too, especially if it represents
a perceived threat to them or their family.
 
I've found that the best response is to do my best to smile and say
something like "Oh really, and where did you learn that?" After listening to
the person's response you might then go on to point out that that hasn't
been your experience at all.  The available information shows that ferrets
are in fact 200 times LESS apt to bite than is a dog.
 
If he persists you might ask if he isn't talking about some other truly wild
animal such as a mink, or even the black footed ferret.  Point out the
difference between dogs and wolves that look the same, but are really quite
different.
 
Finally you might also mention that that used to be a common 'old wives
tale' about black cats as well, that they ride on broom sticks and suck the
life out of babies.  You might also ask how a ferret would be able to fit in
such a small space as a babies mouth.
 
IMHO the trick is more to speak to the person's fears than to appear to
logic.  You have to at least consider their ideas and show them that you
mean no harm (through ridicule or otherwise), before they will accept you
and your ideas.  Perhaps then logic has a chance.
 
P.S. After a couple of sniffs and a lick, Rocky wanted to settle down for a
nap in the 'porta crib' too, but was restrained because of our concern that
she might bite to get away, if held too tightly (or squealed at too often).
Today Rocky has passed on, and Ami still has fond memories.
[Posted in FML issue 1447]