Just reading this post today (I'm a day behind) I am not one to discourage
people into getting a pet because pets bring us all a lot of fun and joy.
But you can't think of them as just a pet, they become a part of your
family and daily lives.  Dana, if you didn't want to handle looking after a
cat, why do you want a ferret?  Just because you can keep them in a cage or
room during some parts of the day when your'e not home doesn't mean there
is less work in looking after the ferrets everyday needs.  I think that
ferrets are more social than cats!  If you and your husband work full time
or are not at home much, maybe you should re-consider.  I'm not saying you
shouldn't have a ferret, I just believe you should think about the matter a
little longer.  We have a dog which has long hair, but we trimmed the hair
neatly so she stayed cleaner and happier.  Pet's need a lot of care and
attention.  You will need to make sure you are well equipped aswell.  I
haven't got my ferrets yet (they only breed once a year in Australia and we
have no shelters to buy or adopt ferrets from) but I have commited myself
already by purchasing a cage, hammocks, litter trays, toys, sleepy sacks,
tubes and all.
 
I still have to wait 3 months but I'm ready for them. Are you?
[Posted in FML issue 3085]