Hello! I have been lucky to spend this summer taking classes abroad. I'm currently in Geneva for 4 weeks. Unfortunately, I don't know the language, so I've been using AltaVista's Bablefish translator to read the Swiss ferret webpages -- furet here. 'Furet' translates as 'pipe cleaner'. So, they are called the pipe cleaner like animals. I have to laugh, because one of my best ferret pictures is my big, fat guy barely being able to get himself into a PVC pipe. He is the ultimate pipe cleaner. I think it is a great name. I need to add it to my list with carpet shark. renee PS - I've met one person here with ferrets, if any of you live in Geneva or close by, drop me a line, I'd love to meet up! [Posted in FML issue 3840]