>i know we dont want to say that there is something wrong with our ferrets >(and this email doesn't intend to say that either), but if something is >not the way it is meant to be genetically speaking, wouldn't that be >called a defect by normal definitions of the word? Before hiding behind the dictionary definition of a word, it is a good idea to understand that the connotation of the word is sometimes more important. Most people see nothing wrong with applying the word pet to their ferrets, after all the dictionary definition of pet is "2 : a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility." The connotation, however, is that a pet is property, rather than a living creature. And property can be disposed of when it is imperfect, defective, or just no longer convenient. Animal shelters hear those excuses on a regular basis when people turn their animal companions over to them. The connotation of defective is that an object is broken, and its value diminished and not worthy of being kept, or integrated into the "normal" society. In a society already obsessed with the principle of "throw it away when it is broken," it is wrong and unacceptable to apply the word 'defective' to living creatures - whether human or ferret. Living creatures, which are differently challenged - whether human or ferret - should be accorded the same intrinsic value as those which are not "defective" or whole, or "normal." I am sure the human members of the FML who are impaired (and I really don't like that word, either) in some manner do not consider themselves defective or broken or even "not normal." Normal, in point of fact, is a relative term. For a deaf ferret, it is normal not to hear. They have a different ability or reality. Once that concept is accepted - and the ferrets seem to have very little trouble accepting it - all of the so-called "problems" of dealing with deaf ferrets will fall into place. I routinely call my deaf ferrets and they come when called. The difference is that when calling the deaf ferrets, I knock on the floor sharply to get their attention. Recognition of their abilities and acceptance of those differing abilities as normal for them makes it possible to deal with them within their scope and their reality. FSG [Posted in FML issue 3117]