My son bought his ferret, Daxter, with his birthday money a year and a half ago when he turned fifteen. He is a homebound student with chronic migraine, and Daxter has been a great comfort, spirit-booster and amusement for him. However, like Tracy Brown says, there are many times I as mom have to nag and take up the slack. So, in a real respect, Daxter is my ferret, too. But then, it's no different with our other pets-two cats and two dogs. Our son has to be reminded now and then to pet, walk and water them. My two older children were "nagged" the same way when they lived at home, but now that they are married and have pets of their own, they have taken on the role as the "pet conscience" of their households. It happens when they get on their own. So far, Daxter has been the best pet my teen has ever had. He and his buddies carry Daxter around and hold him a lot while they hang out here, playing their computer and video games or whatever. What does help greatly, is for parents to be more than willing to take up the slack. ,',',= \ `'`/```\ ()o=; `'`'' /, . \/ / (, / \" / ....... \(_ \(_I love my ferret! http://community.webtv.net/dsliger/DonnasDomain Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. [Posted in FML issue 4254]