Christine, as you or many might already know, I think ferrets in particular are awfully therapeutic for individuals with special needs. I believe this because ferrets, more so than many animals, are such high maintenance. One MUST clean up that poop more than once a day. One MUST water this animal each day or more. One MUST change that liter. One MUST feed each day. One must clean that cage. One must constantly clean up and groom this animal. One must this, must that, on a regular schedule. Some situations require even more attention throughout the day. And as you know, ferrets need supervision whenever they are out playing. It's not like you can let them out in your house and not pay attention to them all day and night long. Although a dog initiates so much socialization with humans, they are pretty independent and low maintence really when compared to the supervision required and house cleaning associated with ferrets. This constant, this consistency, helps people at times with physical needs (getting them to move little by little throughout the day). However, I feel like like this animal has an even larger impact on those psychologically affected, if they can tolerate this pet and are able to care for it. Just like you say, the joyfulness and mischievous activity is always there to share with or without you throughout their lives. They act this way often all the way to the death. And this is very stimulating, uninvasive, and inspiring to those with any sort of mental problem. Wolfy http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com [Posted in FML issue 4623]