I know that in the past, I have complained about too much advertising on the FML. Well, now it is my turn to make a sales pitch. All of this discussion on the FML about raw vs kibble, and the general topic of ferret food and nutrition got me thinking. Hadn't I seen that this topic was going to be covered at the Ferret Aid 2006 Symposium? Now, although I am a member of the IFC Committee, it is the Canadian Chapter of the IFC that is presenting Ferret Aid 2006, so I really did have to go and look at the program to make sure I was remembering correctly. And, yes, I was. There will actually be 2 speakers on Sunday speaking on the subject of diet and nutrition. And, these 2 speakers have slightly different points of view, so we will get to hear some differing opinions. This will not be a one sided look at the subject. Bob Church is one of the speakers. Many of us are familiar with some of his ideas, but Bob is an excellent speaker and fun to listen to. So, whether you agree with his ideas or not, he is entertaining. Plus, Bob is always researching and bringing new ideas into his talks. People who have known Bob over the years have likely noticed an evolution in his ideas, so we should not expect to necessarily hear more of the same during his presentation. The second person speaking of diet and nutrition is Ann Martin. Now, I am not personally familiar with Ann, but I am told that she opposes a raw diet. However, she has also spent the last 10 years researching the pet food industry, and is also against feeding commercial pet food. Her recommendation is that per owners prepare their own cooked foods for their pets. Ann has written 2 books on her research, and some of the information she uncovered is more then shocking. Here are links to the Barns and Nobel listings of her books, for anyone who wants to know more about her and what she will likely be addressing. >http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y &isbn=0939165465> >http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y &isbn=0939165422> Additionally, here is part of the blurb from the site about Ann's books. >Ann Martin continues her thorough investigation of pet-related issues, >revealing more shocking facts. Carefully and methodically, Martin >explains the ongoing problems with most commercial pet foods. She also >builds a strong case against the popular raw meat diets, and questions >yearly vaccinations, making a convincing link between increased cancer >in pets and overvaccination. Protect Your Pet includes healthy recipes, >alternative choices, and solid advice. This sounds like it could be a very interesting talk, regardless of which side of the diet discussion you are on. But wait, if you attend the Symposium, you get a bonus, because on Friday Dr. Dennilyn Parker will also be addressing some diet issues in her talk on lymphoma and insulinoma! Yes, that is right, folks. If you attend the Ferret Aid 2006 Symposium you will get to hear thoughts on ferret diets and nutrition from 3 different speakers! OK, so much for the corn. I am not very good at it anyway. But, the point is, diet and nutrition will be discussed at the Toronto gathering. It will give people a chance to ask questions, and to hear some differing opinions. It will give those who attend a chance to learn more, and thereby make more informed and enlightened choices. And, in case you thought otherwise, I am all for learning and making individual choices. I do not try to ram any one way of thinking down anyone's throat (at least I hope I don't). Instead, I am for people having access to information, so that when they make their choices, they can make informed choices. So, how can you register for this program and make sure you are there to hear these exciting talks? All the information can be found on the Ferret Aid website at: http://www.ferretaid.org/events/ferret_aid_2006.html Additionally, links to the Ferret Aid site are provided on the IFC website: http://www.ferretcongress.org/ I hope to see some of you in Toronto! -- Danee DeVore International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator http://www.ferretcongress.org ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know! For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com You can help fight ADV! Visit: http://help4adv.terrabox.com/ [Posted in FML issue 5209]