I read so many heartbreaking postings about missing Ferrets. I know how devastating this can be, it has happened to my Sandy 4 or 5 times in the 4 years I have owned her. Once she was gone for 3 days. However, I have gotten her back everytime thanks to a little purple hippopotamus. That's right, a purple hippopotamus, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The purple hippo is a squeaky toy that she has learned to come to when she hears it squeak. Without it, I would probably be without Sandy. Something as simple as a little squeaky toy can really be priceless. Sure, I looked like an idiot, out in the middle of the street, in the middle of the night, walking around the neighborhood squeaking a little purple hippopotamus, but it has been worth the humiliation every time. When she hears it, she will come to it. I know many Ferrets are deaf and this method would be useless, but for those that are not, I think it is something we should all try. Sandy is very responsive to sound (especially the treat bag) and it was just by chance that I found she would always come to the squeaking of this toy. Just thought I would share this so others may use it to bring their baby(s) home safely. Russ & Sandy [Posted in FML issue 3201]