Date: 02/20/94 07:29 PM Hello!! We attended our first meeting of the Central Illinois Friends of Ferrets today. It was fun. It was also an 82 mile drive, but it was worth it. Kathy and Berry Fritz obviously love ferrets, and are concerned about their status with the government. And they take terrific care of them, including some research on a fodd additive that aids digestion and may counteract the effects of preservatives. The two ferrets that we gave C.I.F.F. to adopt out (about 1 1/2 months ago) are doing great--we got to see them today. Papa Bear (male sable) reminds me so much of Davey before we got him fixed, with bulging muscles and lumbering walk. He is THICK. Pooh (red-eyed albino, Papa's daughter) is still very timid, and shakes uncontrollably when held. Kathy said she could have very easily become a biter, if it weren't for the intervention she received. I feel that they are in good hands. If it weren't for her (understandable) policy of adopting them together, we would have come home with Papa Bear tonight. He is adorable! It looks like someone smushed in his nose and flattened his face. And his coloration is very dark, just how I like them. :) Both of our carpet sharks got lots of praise today. Boy were we the proud parents!! We bathed them before we went so their coats were shiny and very soft. Spice especially is very pretty right after a bath. She actually surprised us by how well she got along with everyone, ferret and human alike. She ran from many a fight, but played with those who were interested. (Spice was pretty stand-offish and nippy when we first rescued her.) Davey was a sweetheart, of course, and came to my lap (read:security blanket) when he became tired, and went to sleep. He also slept on Michael's lap and Kathy's, too. <VBG> Wow!! Longer than I thought! One more quick thing--I am going to collect $$ for the McDowells' with the put-out-a-jar idea. Wish me luck!! Eagerly anticipating Spring, Kelly & Michael, the Ferret Fuzzies and Feline Furries [Posted in FML issue 0735]