To Rick re: Arlo and the Incredible Dryer Hose Adventure-- I can just see him now looking up at you with that innocent expression: "What?" Which reminds me--I saw someone the other day who had been pulled over for speeding. As the officer was writing out the ticket, the guy was looking up at him like, "What--me?" The odd thing was, I recognized it as the ferret look of total innocence in the face of being caught in the act. There must be a topic for someone's thesis here somewhere -- feigned innocence across the species or something (I think dogs have this down to a science). To Sabrina re: unfriendly former neglected ferret. I agree with other people's comments, keep picking him up, giving him treats, holding him, telling him you love him, etc. I've had Norman (formerly abused) about 10 months now; he is very sweet though still skittish and not really into being picked up, mushed over, etc., though I do it all the time anyway. But I realized the other day that he has just started putting his paws on my leg begging like the other guys do, which I think is a real cause for celebration. Also, he doesn't pick on Cinderella so much anymore, so I am able to keep all 3 of them together most of the time now. I think it really just takes time and patience, and when you least expect it, your little fuzzbean will come around and return your love in the best way he knows how. And I'm sure he loves you now, probably just doesn't quite know how to show it yet. --Ronnie (Cinderella, Norm & Ralph's mom in Massachusetts) PS--I just saw "Ferrets Unmasked" with some of the underground Massachusetts contingent--*great* video--if you haven't seen it yet, it's really well done; would be very helpful for shelters etc. to show to prospective parents to make sure they understand what's involved. Also very encouraging to see all those people out there proclaiming the Merits of Ferrets :-) [Posted in FML issue 1139]