Thanks for the compliment, Linda! FERRET DOMINANCE Since you seemed interested, I'll add that the "ferret scruffing ferret" behaviour is not simply a show of dominance. The primary function of the "kill-switch" is to enable a mom-ferret to carry about her kits without the kits struggling or squirming. With her mouth, the mom-ferret grabs the little one by the back of its neck in order to safely and easily re-locate it. Therefore, early in life, the baby-ferret learns that a dominant ferret (Mom in this case) can control him by this means. Later in life, ferrets play ferret-games in which they establish dominance and a pecking-order using a dominance/control technique with which they are already familiar. Pretty nifty! Goodness, so many people have been adopting new babies lately! I hope everyone is happy with their new little ones! I imagine many of you are seeing just this sort of pecking order establishment! HELP REQUEST By the way, does anyone have any suggestions for getting a ferret to ingest 1/4 of a tablet that the vet has prescribed (metronidazole for a possible helicobacter infection)? I have tried crushing it, mixing it with water, and squirting it gently in his mouth. I have also tried crushing it and mixing it with Ferretone. After one drop, he "freaks out", panics, shakes his head, etc. Help! THANK YOU Speaking of the helicobacter infection, I would like to send a very big thank you to Dr. Williams for helping out my vet with the diagnosis. My vet said that he always welcomes input (a good sign!). I hope we're on the way to improving Paleface's stomach! Chere, your tribute to good vets was so beautiful! I certainly believe that it is fitting homage to Dr. Williams. I absolutely couldn't offer a more wonderful thank you. Cheers, Gina and Paleface (Let go, let go; unhand my neck!) [Posted in FML issue 1394]