Quite a few FMLers have discussed how they use their ferrets as therapy animals in nursing homes. Many have also mentioned how some more people-oriented ferrets are quick to notice when a person needs a bit of pick-me-up. Surprising to some, but not to all, ferrets can do more in the field of service animals. I am almost completely blind. I used to have a guide dog, but she was retired due to cancer. The lifestyle I have now is not one that would require a new gide dog. I have developed fibromyalgia (similar to chronic pain) and some nueropathy (my muscles don't always do what I tell them), as well as other medical conditions that make me a homebody. A guide dog is for those that are active, needing to leave their home every day and travel some distance. If I do go somewhere, I've got to be with someone that can help if I fall, become disoriented, experience a sudden migraine, or have other immediate health issues. Still, I can get around our rural apartment complex fine, and that gives me a chance to get some fresh air. I started walking my current batch of ferrets just after the first pair arrived in March. Rhys and Frost showed a greater willingness to learn than all but one other ferret I've had, so I thought I'd try to teach them to heel. Surprisingly, they routinely walk on my left side, just off the sidewalk. The tended to follow our trail back home when they got tired, so I taught them the command "Go home." Rhys and Frost have limits on what they can do, but those boys are champs at helping me out. They can't tell me if someone left a bike in the middle of the sidewalk (unless they go to investigate before I trip over it), but they've taken me home, when I've missed a turn or turned too early. All the kids in the apartment complex adore them, so that helps me out socially too. I may have the first guiding-eye ferrets. Let me also make mention that Rhys is one of those ferrets sensative to how someone feels and even if that person has recently been physically hurt. He always seems to know when I need extra cuddles. If I've got a new bruise or have have surgery recently, he'll go directly to the spot of injury and try to nuzzle it and rub it. He does these things immediately when let out of his cage, not first going to play. I can also add that Rhys knows how to "stay" (only works as a "hold still" when I'm holding him or he's being admired by other people). He can also hook his front feet around my first finger and swing for up to ten seconds while dangling in mid air (no ferrets were hamred in the creation of this trick); it is quite a feat for a ferret weighing over five pounds! While Rhys is is only four-years-old and will be around for a few more years of guide-ferret duties, buddles, and cute tricks, but Frost will be leaving us soon. He'll be eight-years-old at the first on the new year, and his adrenal can no longer be consistantly controled by medication. I'll miss my feisty albino old man, who loves to try and catch the waves of Lake Erie. SaraFerret, he'll be coming to see you soon. With respect, Lori in Ohio Cats: Reaganne & Little Miss Ferrets: Rhys & Frost, Ayla & Codo, Holly & Charlie [Posted in FML 6495]