Whew, I'm glad some people said something -- I had started to go into one of my soapbox speeches and decided against it just because I think I do it to much. Thanks to all who have said it for me. I totally agree especially with Michelle that descenting is not mutilation nor is it cruel if done right, though there are some associated risks as with any surgery. The argument could be made that no one who's not willing to put up with the smell should own a ferret, but I tend to disagree. Contrary to Bill's contention, I have found the bombs *do* linger in cloth materials and soap and water isn't always sufficient. And some ferrets do it far more often than others, and it makes them far less pleasant to be around then just their normal musky smell -- although that may be where their general odor comes from, the anal sac bombs are far more pungent and I firmly believe that an owner is not cruel if s/he doesn't feel he can live with it but still is a loving home to a deserving ferret. Personally, as a ferret lover and soon-to-be vet who will be willing to perform the operation, I was offended by the tone taken by some of the people against it. I would never in my life mutilate an animal, but I would certainly descent a ferret with over-active anal sacs. Believe it or not, that *was* shorter than my original soapbox! (What can I say? -- I had to say something; my feelings were really hurt, especially by Bill Killian's original tone). Laura L'Heureux [Posted in FML issue 1150]