Hello again, all. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I just had a few things to relate; first of all, my fiance, Chris and I were just discussing last night differences in animal hair. I have been allergic to cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. since the age of twelve--if I touched the animal and proceeded to touch my face in any way, my bronchial tubes would tighten, my eyes would water, hives would appear, and I would have constant sneezing. I have to be very careful to wash my hands thoroughly after handling any animal with fur. Ferrets, however, I have absolutely no problem with, (which I am very grateful for) and I was just wondering if anyone had any theories (or facts) as to why. Do ferrets have less dander or less fur? I would really appreciate any feedback. I am so happy, though, that I am able to have Casey and Emily without worry for my own health. I can kiss them and hold them without any problem. Even when Emily takes chomps out of my arm (and most recently my top lip) I do not experience any allergic reaction. I am also proud to report that I have applied for a job at a local pet store and I have been asked to come in for an interview tomorrow! They sell ferrets there from time to time, and my personal goal is to change the way they are displayed (2 male ferrets in a glass aquarium tank filled with pine shavings) Hopefully, I'll get the job. (My real motive being I'll get discounts on my abundance of ferret toys, food, and supplies for the girls) One last sad note, one of my Egyptian sand rats (they are very similar to gerbils) fell asleep under their wheel and he got caught when his brother decided to go for a run. Poor Stubby got cut up pretty severely and he's just barely alive. I put bacitracin on his wounds and took him out of his cage (his manslaughtering brother, Mitchell was beginning to pick at him) and placed him in a box with shavings and a towel. I just hope he's warm and comfortable; if it's one thing that absolutely stings my heart it is an animal in pain. Please just say a quick prayer for him. Thank you. --Kristen, Chris, (the human authority figures) Casey and Emily (the girls) Frankie (the iguana) and Mitchell and Stubby (the rats) [Posted in FML issue 1396]