When I first read this post, my thought was to reply with something that on later thought was mean, nasty, and snarky. I really don't think that the list needs another flame war, so I will refrain from venting my original thoughts. I belive that most of us who have been owned by ferrets for any legth of time have had a tradgedy or two or more that we could relate if we were brave enough to share. Some of these have been from bitter experience, (I will never start the dishwasher before checking thrice that there are no ferrets in there), and some have been from simple mischance. These weasels that we love are more creative and smarter than we are, when it comes to mischief. I aplaud Alex and Dann's willingness to open their hearts to another ferret. They have shown themselves to be good ferret parents over the MANY years that they have been sharing their stories with us, and like many of us, have had some tradgedies to endure. The fact that two of their beloved weasels have been lost to dogs does not diminish their status as good ferret parents, the situations (as well as the dogs involved) were completely different. Hind sight is amazing. Does anyone really think that they would have inentionally left ANY beloved pet in an empty house with an upset dog? Does anyone who has read their stories really think that they would have left an upset dog with the ferrets INTENTIONALLY? Is any one of us (list readers) so perfect that we really think we can't have a tragic accident in our own house? I've had at least one, and beaten myself up over it for a good long time. If you haven't had one, you have been blessed, at least up to this point. Alex, I hope Todd helps to heal the wounds that were left in your heart, Dann's and Puma's when you said goodbye to Ping. I hope that Todd lives a long healthy life, is a good companion to Puma, and that you share your stories of them, as you have with your other beloved ferrets, dogs, and hedgehogs. I know that you will do all you can to ensure that Todd, Puma, Alis and any other being living in your household is happy, healthy and well cared for. Please share with us, so that we may rejoice in the lives of your ferrets, as well as our own. Ingrid [Posted in FML 6086]