Just last week I checked my Google Ferret Alert and what should come up but a reference to our next speaker http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=3D446142006 . She is so well known that her website was referenced in an article on the other side of the pond! Her credentials are many. She has served as a lecturer in the Department of Psychology and the Post-Graduate Medical Education Department of the University of Warwick and is a research consultant to a number of UK welfare organisations such as Blue Cross, Society of Companion Animal Studies, Cats Protection and the Dogs Trust, as well as conducting various studies in Ethiopia for the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA). June McNicholas is a psychologist with a special research interest in the effects that companion animals have on human health and well-being, so she should find herself at home in the midst of the attendees at Ferret Aid 2006. Like many of us, she will be celebrating the *new 30* when we meet in Toronto, but is *determined to grow old as disgracefully as our 'middle aged' ferrets!* Dr. McNicholas lives on a small farm in the remote Scottish Highlands with her partner, Dr. Jeff Lewis, a parasitologist, where she works as a wildlife consultant, raises rare sheep and has many animal residents. There are 40+ rescue ferrets, a Beauceron (a French herding dog), several hens, a turkey called Tennyson, three North American raccoons, a wild polecat, two hybrid polecat ferrets, a hand reared weasel called Wispa, and a wild goat called Alfred. There are also a number of wild animals waiting to come into their new rehabilitation area, including a badger and two young otters. Dr. McNicholas has a special research interest in the effect that our animal companions have on our health and general well-being. That is not surprising, as ferrets have been a part of her life for most of her life. When she was 12, Dr. McNicholas' grandmother, who *felt I needed education in the niceties of polite society,* wanted to make me into a 'lady.' The estate manager took her ferreting with Fretsky (Czec for 'ferret'). So, her first introduction to ferrets was also Dr. McNicholas' introduction into proper society! Years past and Dr. McNicholas became a mother whose 10 year old daughter wanted a ferret. The first ferret was a silver mitt called 'Ming,' who was later joined by a companion called 'Wombat.' The family's reputation as ferret enthusiasts spread and soon they had many unwanted, abandoned or stray ferrets. They joined the National Ferret Welfare Society and, ever since, have taken in rescued ferrets and done whatever they can to promote responsible care of ferrets. When asked about her most memorable ferret experience, Dr. McNicholas had a difficult time picking just one. Sound familiar? I will let her explain in her own words: * Living with ferrets gives rise to any number of memorable experiences. How does one choose? The ferret who came back to life after 'dying' during surgery? The ferret who caused a deaf, dumb and blind girl to smile and laugh? It's so difficult to choose. I suppose one ferret who really sticks out in my mind is Stonebridge. He was the most vicious of ferrets when he came into rescue but went on to work with terminally ill children as a therapy pet. His life touched literally hundreds of children and their families. Over the nine years he worked in special schools and children's hospices he helped children cope with unpleasant medical procedures, helped their schooling, and raised funds for their treatment. A very special ferret indeed.* When you see her in Toronto, ask Dr. McNicholas to tell you all about the time she and her dog got a standing ovation while simultaneously being disqualified from the world famous dog show, Crufts! Dr. McNicholas holds unsung heroes in high regard. These include *people who do things for which they get no reward and little, if any, recognition -- purely selfless actions done because that is what they feel they should do. Amongst those I'd include those people who take in a rescue animal and do whatever is needed to regain the trust and love of those animals.* Given the opportunity to spend 24 hours with anyone, Dr. McNicholas would choose her father. *He was a quiet, serious man and was very difficult to get to know. When he died we found out a whole lot about his life that he had never mentioned. Work in the war for the Allies, capture in Singapore, escape, and an impressive military record.* Perhaps he is one of the unsung heroes that influenced her ideas. Like other great people I have met, Dr. McNicholas doesn't really care if she IS remembered! However, *As far as friends and family are concerned, if anyone remembered me with affection or as someone trying to do good, I'd be more than satisfied.* However, I doubt very seriously if this very interesting woman will ever be forgotten. Whether discussing movies (her favourite is Gladiator - *maybe my choice has something to do with Russell Crowe's look in Roman Uniform!*), music (*My choice of music depends on what I am doing at the time. On the whole it's folk music while I am writing; classical music (especially Mussorgsky) while I'm analysing data; rock music when I'm driving!*) or her favourite book (ask her!), she has something interesting to contribute. And for fun and relaxation, Dr. McNicholas turns once more to her animals. *Up here in the remote Highlands, there's no local pubs, shops, cinemas, restaurants etc, so 'fun' is simply what you make it. In non-ferret moments, I just like to walk down to our bottom meadow and sit on the lochside. There I can watch dolphins, otters, seals and eagles in pure peace and silence. Whatever the problems of the day's work, these creatures simply give you a perspective. There's nothing like having a group of ferrets in the house for a playtime to raise a smile after a tough day at work. You can't help but laugh when they come in and play. They say laughter is the best medicine. If that's true, then ferrets are probably the best therapists! Most of my relaxation time is spent with various joyful, playful and affectionate friends. We call them ferrets.* Check out Dr. McNicholas at the National Ferret Welfare Society (http://www.nfws.net ). She can be reached by email at [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 5205]