I am a fellow ferret owner and benefit greatly from the research that we do on ferrets and other animals just as each of us people should. Alot of people are misunderstand what goes on in a research institutoin with the animals involved. I work in one of the larger institutions in the USA and in our labs we name as many of the animals as possible. These animals range from mice to rats to rabbits, and more. All of our animals are given human interaction and environmental stimulation in the means of toys and handling. There are laws that enforce these practices. So until you actually visit a research institution i would suggest that you do not make false comments about theses places. People make nasty comments about research institutions being vicous places of death and mutilation. These assumptions are wrong. The research field is closely regulated by many federal and private organizations and commitees. One minor fault and the research institution can be shut down until further notice. Without these animals and the help and knowledge they provide , we as a civilization and our precious pets of all kinds would be without a lot of medicines and vaccinations and procedures that would save and enrich our lives . So next time , PLEASE think before you write and know what you are talking about. Thanks-- me and my two fuzzies [OA] [Posted in FML issue 2960]