This is the first time I'm writing, I've been hiding in the shadows of the FML for a while. First of all to all those that have sick fuzzies and those who's fuzzies have crossed over my heart and prayers are with you. I saw a Spanish link posted on the FML and can't to use it. Would someone kindly resend it to me. My husband cannot read English, so I was hoping to get him connected with some Spanish speaking folks to talk about his "boys". Our 2 fuzzies are "Frankie the Ferret" who is a sweet dispositioned 1 1/2 year old Marshall Farms baby that was sitting in PETCO for several months and was about 6 months old when he adopted us. He looks like he's a sable with a raccoon mask and cute pink nose. He was a wild child having spent his first 6 months in captivity. When I let him out to play he was so beside himself! He is only in his cage to sleep now, I can't bear to see him in "jail" with those sad eyes. He is the love of our life, he knows Spanish too, he kisses only when we say kiss in Spanish, "besito me amore". Our 2nd boy "Poncho the Kamikaze", by the way Poncho is Spanish for Frank, is about 6 months old and was also from PETCO but didn't have MF papers so I assume he is from somewhere else. We've had him for about 6 weeks and he is downright crazy and totally fearless, so we watch him very closely. He is also sable with a Zoro mask and half pink and brown nose. His fur is so soft. We bought Poncho so Frank would have a ferret buddy to talk ferret nonsense to. They were gradually introduced and Frank gets extra attention so he doesn't feel like "the little show off", that's what Frank tells me he is, has taken over. About PETCO, the Tigard, Oregon PETCO has taught me a great deal about ferrets and they were instrumental in my initial education. So there are some good ones out there. They were so sad when both Frankie and Poncho got older and weren't sold. By the way they sold Poncho once and the people brought him back after a week and a half, they took him back no questions asked. So that tells me they care about the fuzzies. They are really good to their babies and hold them whenever they can. They recommended CARE FRESH Pet Bedding, which I have to say is the best at controlling the Pepe Le PU fumes that resonate from the cage area. It is really easy for daily clean ups because the stuff gets stuck to the sanitized and lint free paper pulp product, looks like newsprint without the newsprint. I fill the bottom of the cage and add new on top of the wire daily, no my guys aren't litter trained, impossible. Another trick is to keep the poop in the cage, I bent a sanitized and cleaned up license plate in the corner, no more OOPs on the rug. Also they turned me onto Natures Miracle for pet stain and odors. Wonderful stuff and it doesn't turn your carpet into a mass of foam because it has no soap, if soap comes up it was already in the carpet. Another handy thing I recommend to any pet owner is the Bissell hand held steam cleaner, great for the quick OOPs cleanups. Spray the Natures Miracle on the spot let it sit while you spray the other spots, you know they come in multiples, then fill the reservoir with hot hot tap water, spray the hot water and slowly move the Bissell away from you over the spot. The slower you move and the more the hot water hits the better it works. Repeat as necessary until the little buggar is gone. Then a regular Hoover Steam Vac for totally carpet cleaning when the carpet looks like it has as many clean spots as dirty ones. Use the Hoover stuff it's the best and less foam. I know I'm new to this list, but can I just comment on one thing? (If you knew me you would know it's coming anyway.) I have noticed the anger and hostility that sometimes hits the FML and it really saddens me that all of us who love all our animals, not just the fuzzies would turn on each other. There are ways to make a point in a constructive and non aggressive manner, it just takes a little more creative thought. My impression of the purpose of this list is to educate, share and create an environment where people are not afraid to ask for help or speak their mind in a kind and humane way. I have put off writing because I don't want to get flamed and there are probably others out there too. I would hate to have to watch every word, as I felt I had to do when writing this post. Is there anyway to make this a kinder, more gentle FML? There is so much anger, frustration and cruelty outside our doors can't we make this a safe place for all? BTW, flame me and you'll get it back, not from me, but what goes around comes around. It's the greatest comfort to me when dealing with cruel and nasty stuff. Kim's Zoo - Frankie the Ferret 1 1/2, Poncho the Kamikaze 1/2, Mitchy the Witchy shitzu 10, Caesar the Sweetie shitzu 8, Spunky the Not So Anymore (tabby cat) 12, Cleo the Tiger (tortoise shell calico cat) 11, Butchy the Blind (tuxedo cat) 10, Manny the Old Man (husband) 41 and Kim (vehita) no I'm not telling my age. [Posted in FML issue 3186]