Let me clear things up here, the Ferret Elijah only thinks he's getting groomed. I give him a nibble here and there but no licking. A bitter, oh goody. "Anthropomorphizing" great word Regina, couldn't have said it better. Steve Irwin (the Croc hunter) is a great example of someone that can read an animal through years and years of experience. I know a local guy that can tell you in advance which way a snake will move and if it will strike. I'm blown away at his ability. Preserving your fert. God Bless you but you have to let go. Matter recycles and energy is lost in the form of heat. What happens to an animals spirit is up to debate. I have hope that they go to a better place. Honor your fert, use the money for taxidermy and sponsor a shelter fert or donate to one of the many incredible ferret shelters around the nation. My best to you. Does anyone have a F1 or F2 polecat hybrid? I'd love to know the disposition. I've had a handful of ferts but I'd really like to record the dispositions and traits of hybrids and domestic ferrets. There is an interesting yahoo group. It's the mustelidae group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mustelidae/ Dave [Posted in FML issue 4081]