Jodie, Jodie, Jodie, OMG, I am still so freaked by your experience! You poor thing... I am so sorry you had to go through that. The way I see horrid experiences like that is always a lesson for the future. Whenever I have had close calls on any level it so better prepares me for life. I had a very similar story a few years ago, although much shorter trauma time (about an hour) I was right back there while reading your post. I too have an 18 yr old son, as well as a 15 yr old daughter. Yes, they are at times self absorbed (nature of the beast, right?) I really believe Jodi no matter how old they get, and no matter how strongly they protest, they still need and want our love and presence in there lives. The human kids that is :) While I would never suggest this was a purposeful gesture on your boys part- I think sometimes, just sometimes, our human kids get a little sibling rivalry stuff with our fuzzies. Both my teenagers have had careless fuzz related incidents. I have had to except the fact that ultimately my fuzzie kids are my responsibility. Yes, yes both kids wanted them, but really my ferries are mine, as well as their care. Try not to be too angry with your boy, when that happened with me, it only alienated my boy to the ferrets a bit, he started to resent them I believe. I have closed off both of their bedrooms to the fuzzbabes, it is just too much work and stress, and opens avenues for conflict between myself and my teens. It is just not worth it for me. Yes, it is less space for fuzzies, but much more space for me and my teens to conflict or bond on more vital issues. It also let my teens know in no uncertain terms--I love them, value & respect their space and autonomy. There is no question in anyone's mind as to where my priorities lie. Things are so much more harmonious and much more opportunities for talking about other, more important things with them. Since this shift-my teens will initiate much more time and contact with their ferry siblings too :) Be well, Mary Ann [Posted in FML issue 3767]