Melissa and the gang here, I spent quite a bit of time after Potpie died going through old pictures and postings to the FML. I browsed through old anecdotes, past advice, and past crises, and somewhere in there was a closing paragraph (that I will paraphrase shortly) where, years ago, I summed up exactly what I am feeling now. Potpie was the first pet that I got the chance to raise, train, get to know, and support on my own, and as such was always extra special to me. Reading my past postings served to remind me again of how much I've appreciated having ferrets as companions these many years. Years ago I tried to offer words of comfort by saying that your departed pet companions have left an indelible imprint on your and your life, and as such they haven't really left you; what they taught you will be reflected in your person and actions for years to come. More bittersweet than comforting, but, I feel, still true. Anyway, continuing on, Friday and Puff (see www.monkey.org/~squirty/puff/) still don't get along. Oops. However, I they grudgingly occupy the same living room together, and I spend quality time with each; they slowly are becoming less aggressive and seem to hate each other, if not less, in a less physical fashion. :P Puff seems to want to get along with cats, if her behavior towards Bobokitty is any indication. When Bobo is asleep in her cat bed, Puff leaps onto the bed, figures out there's a CAT in the BED, starts war-dancing, and then flings herself on Bobo. And starts chewing. It really seems pretty friendly, but trying to explain that to a 17 yr old cat is a bit difficult. :) Puff's started to figure out that I disapprove, so lately we've had less chewing and more sniffing. This is good, as Bobo's experience with ferrets for years has been limited to nose-sniffing with Potpie, who wanted to leave Bobo alone as much as Bobo enjoyed being left alone (well, not really - if Bobo's back was turned, Potpie would thoughtfully consider the opportunity presented, and take it :). But, Bobo and Friday's sentiments aside, Puff is a charmer. Also, she has white toes! Hee hee. Melissa, Friday, Puff, and Bobo [Posted in FML issue 2952]