Mikette doesn't have much interest in going on the counter these days,but as a younger ferret she would communicate her desire clearly. She would approach me as I stood (defenselessly) washing dishes with wet soapy hands. First she would lay by my feet with her paws in a little begging stance "look how cute I am, don't you want me on the counter?" Next she would stand on two paws and vigorously dig at my calf with her front paws "excuse me, but I would like to be up on the counter" Finally she would bite my calf for all she was worth "Put me on that counter now!!" At that point I would hop around then pick her up and put her on the counter. Yup, she was a great communicator. Risa [Posted in FML issue 4966]