Serena continues to do very well with the ferrets. Serena was 13 weeks old on Friday. She is now officially too big for the hammocks but still tries to fit in them, to the dismay of the ferrets snuggled in them. Serena plays tug-a-egg or another toy with the ferrets and she sometimes lets them win so she can chase after them without catching them - she lets them get away - she is learning it is sometimes better to give in to others so they can build their self-worth too. She lines up with the ferrets for N-bones and she tries to snitch the N-bones from them (I must buy some puppy N-bones) because she gobbles the one I give her so quickly. She knows what a ferret hisssss or growl means and politely backs off. Serena rushes to the marshmallow mateys treat bowl along with the ferrets, her big head and 2 little ferret heads is all that fits, so she takes a small mouthful and backs up so others can get their cereal too. If a ferret goes to the water bowl or food bowls, Serena goes to get a drink or bite of kibble too. I've seen many a ferret give a look of disdain when her big head edges them over. There is no food aggression and foods are available all times to whomever wants to eat from them. The ferrets object to her puppy bounciness when they are snuggled in covers and we are working on that but she is a puppy and forgets sometimes. Xena has quit trying to intimidate her as Serena is now 3 times their size - she was the same size as Cyborg when I brought her home. Serena is beginning to 'go see' when we hear a ferret fuss. My hope is to teach her to gently intercede so that the ferrets stop fussing with each other. Serena has more energy and is much younger than I am so she can learn to do the foot work. Serena is learning compassion - Kit Kat, who may be making her final visit to the vet this Wednesday, has a rash on her back legs and is clearly uncomfortable (even with ointments) and Serena sniffs her and looks at me as if to say "Can't you help her". Kit Kat is 7 years old and had a stroke Feb 2008 that left her brain damaged. She circles when she tries to walk, she eats well and was getting around well till a week ago when the rash surfaced. Kit Kat has a tired look to her so maybe it is time. Serena will go with us to our vet and this may be her first time to witness our last act of love for Kit Kat - depending on what our vet thinks. Even though Serena herself is a mega-esophagus puppy, she is thriving and adding a touch of serenity and love to our little family. She truly is an amazing little being. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org Kansas [Posted in FML 6309]