I would like to put in my 2 cents about the recent Warm Fuzzy show. First, it doesn't matter who does a show, there are people out there looking to nit pick about them all - independent and those run by the large ferret organizations. Second, judges should consider their judging, regardless if it is for a specialty or championship show, just as they would if they were going to their real job. You are there working for the group hosting the show, that's your job for the day. If you wouldn't take your kids into your office for the day and let the run around unsupervised, please don't do it at a ferret show. Also, don't expect the other show goers to be your baby sitter. Most shows are too long and boring for most kids. Next, just because someone decides they do not want to have children, or if they are unable to have children, that doesn't mean they hate kids. I may have decided early in life not to have kids and I do like kids. I like well-behaved kids. There are several well-mannered children who attend the ferret shows. And it is a pleasure to see them taking part and enjoying the day showing their ferrets. People also have to remember that it's usually the unruly, unsupervised young'uns, running around the show hall, poking their fingers in ferret cages. Then the kid gets bit and the ferret is the one who takes the heat. If we have to keep our pets under control at all times, please respect the other show goers and keep your unruly children in line. Next, the same people win all the time. Well, gee I wonder why that is? Maybe because they have taken the time to find out what wins in shows and has worked with and maintained their ferrets in order to win. And last, in this day and age why would any group have a group playpen for everyone to let ferrets interact with other's ferrets? Can you say 'cross-contamination pit?' Not counting the big two health plaques on the domestic ferret - ECE and ADV. What about mites, fleas, upper respiratory infections, e-coli, helicobacter, mange, ringworm and just the stress on ferret not used to being with other ferrets! This is irresponsible on the part of the club and could open them up to liability if someone's ferret contracts something from being in the playpen. [Posted in FML issue 3324]