Hello, everyone! DECLAWING A fellow FML'r recently asked about declawing. I'm sure you'll be inundated with posts regarding this issue, but I've got to add my two cents. Please, please don't declaw your ferret. Unlike cats, ferrets _do not_ have retractable claws. Instead, a ferrets claws are "nails" like a human's or a dog's. Imagine having your fingernails and fingertips removed... SHIVERING When ferrets wake up, they need time for their body to adjust to the room temperature. They facilitate this adjustment by shivering. Paleface is adorable when he is waking up. He'll lay in my arms and quiver; his little pink toes tremble. I sure can relate to that "just waking up feeling!" FERRET MASSAGE Speaking of cute, I've got to share this one. Paleface has a fettish for empty wicker laundry baskets. If he finds the laundry basket empty (a rare occasion around this house!), he will stand on his hind legs, reeeaach in over the top, and dive in with little pink piggies sticking up in the air. Then the fun begins. He promptly rolls onto his back, folds his hands like an otter, and wiggles around with his feet in the air, scratching his back on the rough wicker. Occasionally he'll pull his little hands up over his ears and rub his face with his hands. Sometimes he'll yawn and cover his mouth with his paws. Just when he's ready to climb out of the basket, as he reeeaaches for the edge, he'll slide back into the basket, and start his personal massage all over again. Too cute! See y'all later, Gina and Paleface (Ooohh, oooh, a little higher and to the left!) [Posted in FML issue 1433]