Re: Chicago: be SURE that all letters and other communications are polite and considerate. Right now the reports from those working so very hard on this are that the progress is in the right direction. Be careful to not turn potential allies who are responding well to polite education against ferret people and as a result also against ferrets. That basic mistake has backfired against ferrets elsewhere; anger and agitation do not move people toward cooperation. Sympathy, respect, and shared information do -- and they do it WELL. (Thank you notes never hurt, either! They are one of the best kept secrets of effective PR.) [Posted in FML issue 4251]