Congratulations on reaching this 3000th issue of the Ferret Mailing List. The list's continued growth and ever expanding data base is a result of thousands of readers contributing their personal stories about their ferrets and themselves. Everything from kooky stories and off-the-wall sickness remedies to 'family' support during the pain of loss or the joy of acquisition, has made the FML successful. The FML has been fortunate to have some of the leading ferret medical practitioners and researchers as members and contributors. Detailed articles from ferret diets to medical procedures, to ferret diseases have graced these past 2999 daily lists. We must not forget Bill Gruber either! Affectionately known as BIG (his initials) we all have found that BIG stands for much more. BIG on moderation, BIG on conformity of content, BIG on being ever present. Most importantly, BIG on being an avid ferret supporter and friend, giving all of the list members a chance to voice an opinion, right or wrong, about ferretdom, then knowing instinctively when to politely and gently end a discussion. Thank you Bill Gruber. The FML would not have reached issue 3000 without your presence. As ever, For Our Ferrets MC, The Rude One (With Garret, Snorkle, and Tuzigoot. In spirit, Bubba and Billy-Bob) [Posted in FML issue 3000]