i am allergic to all mammals, but especially to guinea pigs and ferrets (not together of course!). I take Claritin all year round, have the animals in a room for themselves now with an air cleaner and wash my hands constantly. If I put my hands to my eyes after touching the ferrets, my eyes swell shut, but constant washing prevents it. I am typing now while using my nebulizer for asthma. My allergist just asks me "how many pets do you have this year?" when I go for my yearly visit. I even take care of all the animals. Go for it, it is doable. Jean [Posted in FML issue 3928]