I joined the ferret-list several months ago, and I believe it is a brilliant idea for those of us with ferrets in common. A soapbox for all of us to discuss, trade, and argue about all things ferret. It creates an area for people with a pet in common to communicate the best ways available to make the best loving enviroment possible for our special pets. No doubt you have a subscription list that stretches around the world, involving everyone from the best veterinarians, to the first time owner. Above all, this list should be informative. The knowledge of keeping these great pets alive and healthy should be paramount in most discussions. However, I feel that something should be said about those few who post articles on their dead ferrets. These extreme letters offer several pages of description on the final moments of life, and then the dare we say, elaborate funeral arrangements that are followed. In some instances the guilt the owner feels because of the death of the pet seem to point to an almost fragile mind-set that perhaps would be better served by a caring professional therapist, than by long rambling letters posted for the consumption of mainly strangers. I can understand how the death of a close pet can drive one to grief, and that perhaps writing it down can be almost therapeutic. But I would suggest that it is then e-mailed to close caring friends, and not to all, when not all may wish to read it. I have no wish to read the morbid and sometimes ghoulish details of how the dead pets urine was clinging to the now cooling corpse, or how long it takes for the body to stiffen. Nor am I interested in the reading of your pets rasping final gasps of life in all the gory detail. When the loss of a pet occurs, and it happens to all of us, I am more than willing to offer my condolences, but if some balance could be used in the posting of the event, it would be appreciated by the less squeemish of us on this list. But like yesterday's example, where we are asked to all pray to God because if He receives so many requests HE WOULD NOT DARE SAY NO, and grant nothing short of a miracle, is not realistic. I cannot speak for everyone, but in my faith, giving God an "OR ELSE" in a prayer to Him is just not a prayer. It is a threat. And I cannot comply. I love the stories, poems, tales, and valuable advice that comes with this ferret-list. The medical advice is first-rate and will no doubt save the lives of many ferrets. But let's try to keep a balance and not offend others, who although are loving ferret owners, may not share the same, or any, religious beliefs. During this holiday season, I have seen my wife cry twice now while reading this list, and I hate to see her upset missing her fuzzies that are still quite alive and playful in front of her. If your loved pet passes on, of course post the loss, but perhaps some of the grisly detail could be left out and saved for your more personal e-mail. I have tried to write this letter as balanced as I could, so as not to offend. I am not interested in flames, but of just expressing my own thoughts on a delicate matter I feel should be addressed. This is just my own personal opinion and nothing more. Regards Mike Chaput [Posted in FML issue 1427]