A small comment concerning a fragment of a written FML message this morning: >people say mean things about ferrets There is not much that anyone can say about ferrets that can really upset me anymore. ...except calling a little one that they have dumped or gotten rid of "it." I have heard this easily a hundred times. Usually, it is because they bit so badly. The reason I do not get all disturbed anymore is that so much of what is said is true. But, we all know that there are flaws and imperfections in any animal OR human. I can usually agree with what is said and let go. Or, if a person is being snotty, and I am of good cheer and ready for an easy battle, I can point out that they are nothing like....And here I mention child, or dog, or cat. And i name the numerous possible negative factors in which ever one I chose. In fact, having been affronted at a particular vets whille there with a sick ferret on several occassions, I was ready with my response to quell and stun by the third visit. I knew my "opponent" had a dog, as she (women can be so contemptuous) had brought one to the vet. I rapidly ran off_ while feigning faint repugnance upon my face_ all the atrocious things a dog can do. (I would actually love a dog. But I feel they need someone home all day, or a family. My varied hours of work and dislike of setting out in cold or wet weather would make me a poor companion to such a noble creature.) I utterly stunned the lady who had set out to humiliate me while I sat there with an animal in distress. However, I have come to stop my blind devotion to the ferret upon the point that I was in denial. I am now utterly honest with people about the negatives I have encountered involving the animal I adore when conversation of them arises. And there are some significant setbacks to owning one....as there are to caring properly and lovingly for any being. I have now observed that, like people, ferrets can be without proper socialization. They can be mentally unbalanced, or they can dislike another ferret greatly for no apparent reason, and/or they can poop all over the floor and in front of the box, or do their proper duty every time. They can be laid back like a surfer dude, or high strung like a prima dona. I adore this individuality in them. It is like the surprize that came on the bottom of those Cracker Jacks.I think I love the royal stinker Princesses with such moxy and zest, the mentally ill that strike at odd times for no apparent reason, and those that have been abused and betrayed that have found their way to me most of all. The floor poopers are for sale. See me after you read this and we will work something out. Only kidding. ....a little. Lisette [Posted in FML 6636]