Well, my little guys are doing so awesome!!  Dessie's eyes are just fine,
they were when we went to the vet, so we decided against any medication.
New tighter water bottles are being left on the cage.  We were having some
trouble with biting, because both are still very young (Quinn is almost 5
months, and Dessie is about 10 weeks) and I was getting very frustrated
because I can't be in the kitchen barefoot, without Quinn chasing my feet
around chomping.  We have tried scruffing, loudy telling him 'NO BITE!',
time outs and distractions.  Finally, Chuck stopped at the pet store, and
got some of this bitter apple, for dog training that we've heard about.
What a wonderful thing!!!  I sprayed it on my feet and lower legs, and
they sniff, but don't even consider biting.  Of course, Quinn then stood up
against my leg and bite me just behind the knee (!) so I'm gonna have to
cover higher.... I've enjoyed the debate on the classification for ferrets,
although it's been so many years since I had that part of biology that I
can't offer any clarification there, but I do have one comment.  I think
the actual protest is not about classification, but that, at least in
American society, the word 'weasel' has negative connitations and for most
of us it also brings to mind the wild animal actually called the weasel,
which our little guys obviously aren't.  So I agree with the protest,
because it's simply another way to give out wonderful little pals some
more bad publicity.
 
About ferret myths....they are still alive and kicking :( .  I was talking
to one of the radiologists at the center I work in, and she was adamant
that they were wild animals, mean, and not at all affectionate.  Nothing
I said got through.  It's sad to see that even a well educated woman will
refuse to open a closed mind on the subject.
 
Hugs, kisses and dooks to all!
Sherry
Quinn ('You better take a bath in that stuff mom, I'm gonna find the
spots you miss....')
Dessie ('Just remember to let that stuff dry, before you pick me
up....yucky, icky, pooh!')
[Posted in FML issue 2463]