As a Quaker, I try to remain modest, try not to harm others, infringe upon the territory of others, or tell people what to do. I will make an exception reqarding the FERRETS ACROSS AMERICA NATIONAL SHOW. OK, you guys, get off yer butts, and put yer $$ where yer mouth is. If you love ferrets, DO THIS! It's time we (being slaves of the little beasties) show America we mean business. Imagine a wall of ferret photos facing the politicos; once they realize ferrets have owners who vote, it would scare the poopie right out of them! Make your power known, and WIN ONE FOR THE NIPPER! (I ALWAYS wanted to say that, and a pun besides....I can go to bed now, I'm happy!) Just to clarify a few things in other matters. Suggesting a national registry, perhaps using ahn's list as a basis, was an EXAMPLE of what COULD be done; ahn might have a say in the matter. I also fully recognize the (BIG) guy's comment to be true; a $3 disk with an engraved phone number is very cost-effective. (Do you hear a "however" here?) HOWEVER, something like a national registry (JUST AN EXAMPLE) implies political power, strength, and unity; something a $3 disk will not and can not do. There is much more to be gained with such a device than the return of a loved pet; such as good publicity. With good publicity comes the membership to sustain political power. Political power and influence changes laws. Locating lost pets would only be a small portion of a what could be accomplished by a national registry. (Hear another however?) HOWEVER, while on the subject, we need to learn two lessons. First, the way many governments control dissident groups is by playing one off the other (Remember the 60's?). Unity frightens politicos, and well it should, because unity equals power. As long as we bicker among ourselves, or let ego govern decisions, we will never amount to anything or ever be taken seriously. The second lesson we need to learn is American history. Our problem was solved a couple of hundred years ago by some egotistic white male protestants in Philadephia. As Killian has pointed out, there already are several regional organizations fighting for the top spot. Why not suck in the ego a little bit, band together, and (GASP!) form a national organization? Bluntly, if one of more of the regional clubs have a problem, let them sink or stink on their own. Any ferret club that has a leadership that places egocentric desires above the interest of the animal is not an advocate for the ferret. Just read the growing list of FFZs mentioned in Ferret Central; Mustela putorius furo has publicity problems of crisis proportions. If Jefferson and Adams could swallow their pride to build our nation, why can't we to protect the little fuzzies? Dispite a few e-mailed suggestions to the contrary, I have no hidden agenda in advocating a national organization other than the love of a fantastic little animal that brings joy to my heart, and laughter to my lips. I don't know the people who run the clubs, nor belong to any club or organization. I advocate because just believing in something is not enough; you have to turn those beliefs into action for them to become real. I was raised on a farm; I have worked with animals all my life, and have had more pets than you can imagine; dogs, cats, spiders, snakes, mink, skunk, a three-foot iguana, rats, cute (and not so cute) little bunnies, ad infinitum. I even had a pet black widow spider! But it took a furry little thief to steal my heart; it's in their hidey-hole now, and I don't want it back! Besides, it's got ferret spit on it... ;) Finally, my SO came up with the PERFECT ferret harness. Silver duct tape. No, seriously, take a four or five inch strip of fabric about six or so inches long (depending on the ferret),and trim with bias tape. Cut (and trim with buttonholer) two holes in the middle parallel to the long edge (yes, for the front legs), then attach velco to the ends. Attach a small split ring on the top for the leash, then coat the inside of the harness with the no-slip rubber compound used to keep rugs from slipping on hardwood floors. When finished, you have an adjustable excape-proof harness. Ours are bright yellow, and have on each side a red heart containing a black paw print. We attach name and rabies tags to the split ring. Not one of our little guys have escaped (yet), plus it doubles as a "hair-mitt" during moulting season. If you have difficulty deciphering my sewing instructions, e-mail your address, and I'll snail-mail a drawing of the thang (Dammit Jim, I'm an zoologist, not a seamster!) Bob Moose, Stella, Daye, Tori, and Bear. Moose says, "I got disks that jingle jangle jingle...." For those of you wondering why I go by Bob instead of the more regal sounding Robert, its because I'm dyslexic.... ;) [Posted in FML issue 1372]