On the McDowells In Dec 93 a KPL worker came in to check & light pilot lights in a home in Onaga Kansas. The 13 yr old daughter was home alone. The man wanted to see the ferret (Longtail) so the girl took him our of his cage. When the man reached toward the face of Longtail - he grabbed his finger but didn't break the skin. The girl saw no blood or broken skin and the man didn't ask for first aid or to wash his hands. He serviced the McDowells and other homes in the area that Saturday. Several days later he went to the doctor and KDHE was contacted. They contacted the McDowells and told them to turn the ferret over to be killed and tested for rabies. The McDowells refused to do so without a court order. Before they went to court Longtail and his brother George came up missing - taken from their car in a mall in Manhattan, KS. Mike McDowell lost his job with the Pottawatomie Co Sheriffs Dept even though he was not held in contempt of court. Rita McDowell was held in contempt for not finding and turning Longtail in to be killed. Although several attorneys have stated the McDowells have cases - no one will take them because they can't afford another retainer. Two attorneys have dropped the McDowells and they are still seeking legal assistance. KDHE requires that all ferrets that bite be killed and tested regardless of circumstances or vaccination status. Their was never any evidence of a bite produced and the names of the worker and doctor were never released. The McDowells livelihood has been destroyed and they are still having difficulties both financially and emotionally. I keep in touch with them so if anyone wants me to relay a message I will be happy to. Ferrets and Cars I guess I'll be brave and admit I let my little ones run free in our little truck when we go places. I haven't had any problems but I am extremely careful with them. I don't take them in the truck when it's too hot (next vehicle I get must have AC!) and I never open windows more than just a crack. After they check things out they settle down under the seat and sleep most of the way. Occasionally they'll climb on my shoulder but rarely stay very long. We're putting a board behind the seat for a little ferret shelf so they can see out the windows when they want. As far as by the pedals - I usually just move them with one foot if they wander too close and they get the message. Now I do a lot of country driving and very little city driving so this makes a difference for us. I'm a very attentive and cautious driver especially when the little ones are with me. When friends ride with me they're amazed at how well behaved the little ones are - but they've been doing this as long as I've had them. Accidents can happen at any time and I'm well aware of that. Bye for now! Troy Lynn [Posted in FML issue 0830]