I just held my hand to my mouth I was so touched by your post. I could visualize the whole thing. I'm so glad you posted it. We all love and need such positive stories shared about ferrets. I am so thankful that you wrote about Michael. He doesn't touch the ferret due to tactile over-stimulation and defensiveness on his part. That's okay!!! It's okay if he never touches the ferret. But maybe in time he will. Remember that touch is only one of the senses he is exploring his relationship with and its no big deal whether he chooses to use it or not. Its great that he is able to enjoy the animal on his terms. That's the best way. How does the ferret react to him? Does the ferret seem curious or notice him? Or is it gregarious? I was just excited and curious. I hope that Ferrets magazine does not get unhappy if I tell you all that come this late summer/early fall they will be publishing an article about this very subject. Yes, ferret ferrapy has been around for a while, just not recognized. The first time I saw the term "ferrapy" was when Dr June McNicholas (spelling?) from England used it in a writen piece about how she utilized her ferrets' healing powers with her patients back in '98 (and she still does). I have received more mail than you can imagine from not just private owners who have had personal experiences with this, but from various pet therapy people that have skillfully (and very carefully) added ferrets to their programs. So be on the look out for this article. There will be some things published that are a "first". :) Most importantly the article will take a look at the cautions in using ferrets as they are very delicate creatures that can be stressed easily. I still have questions about this, and that will be addressed in the article. I implore people to not engage in formal visitations outside the home or get involved with any program without contacting their vets, local pet therapy groups and animal groups, and other experienced ferret owners FIRST. Let's also not forget these animals are prone to stress related disorders (such as helicobactor for one out of many examples). I just wanted to post this for people to take heed if they are thinking of having visitations. For those of you who are intrigued by this subject and like to read about it, there is a book coming out this fall. It's part two of the Angel Animals book that was out before. It will be called: God's Messengers: What Animals Teach Us About the Divine. Sean and Rocky's story will be in it as well as a photo of them. I have not seen the end product but I'm very excited to see a book about how animals help people. If you cannot wait, I can vouch for another book called "What Animals Teach Us". It is fantastic. It is filled with one short story after another about how every conceivable animal that you can think of and how they have helped various individuals during bad times. And yes,,,,, Sean and Rocky are in that one too. Wolfy Wolfy's site has MOVED to: http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com/ [Posted in FML issue 4143]