Ah, the pleasures of being a home-owner. Refinishing floors has taken precedence over reading the FML, and I am behind again. Where are my priorities!? : ) LOSSES First, I am so sorry to hear of the tragic losses as of late. My eyes well up every time I read of someone's passing; our time with our little guys is so precious. My sympathies to Donna for Warlock and Koti Bear, to Debbie for Angel, and to all others who have lost a loved one or who is battling illness. Find comfort in the knowledge that you have offered these little guys a happy, wonderful, and loving life. SUBJECT HEADINGS Great idea, Cheryl! I think that it is an excellent idea to distinguish posts with medical questons by placing the words "MEDICAL QUESTION" in the subject line. Then, if our wonderful vets are pressed for time, they can more quickly scan the list to respond to our endless questions! GOTTA DANCE Chere, I know I'm too late, but I want you to know that Paleface and I think you and your efforts are great! We hope the trip is successful! BITING FERRETS Wow, sure does seem that alot of folks are having the "old nipper" problem again! Remember, ferrets have significantly thicker skin than two-legged people. When ferrets bite each other (for whatever reason), they bite hard out of the necessity to get a response through that thick skin. They simply need to learn that we human people are a little more fragile. As I have said before, I believe that the best way to communicate with an animal person is to "speak their language." Ferrets teach each other and establish dominance by "scruffing" each other. When a ferret bites, gently but firmly take the ferret by the skin on the back of his neck, hold him until he goes limp, say "NO!" and/or hiss, and/or _gently_ shake/drag him (GENTLY! These guys are tough but little!). Remember that you must be consistent, and you can't expect this discipline to work after the first try (or even the first several tries). Be patient and firm. Be sure to show your little one lots of ferret love. FERRET STAMP Irene, I sent my suggestion for a domestic pet series, including a ferret stamp, to the postal committee. Let's hear from everyone on the FML; what great press a ferret stamp would be! ACRYLIC RUGS For those of you using acrylic throw rugs to protect your "real rugs" or floors from ferret-ness, please be aware that some ferrets love to chew on/eat acrylic and polyester and may develop a blockage as a result. Check those rugs for chewing frequently! DESCENTING To the person who questioned whether or not to descent his ferret: If you haven't done so already, don't. Most current authorities recommend against descenting unless a medical condition necessitates otherwise. HAIR LOSS ON TAIL Someone recently mentioned that their ferret was experiencing hair loss on his tail, accompanied by yellow flaky skin and blackheads. This condition, in my understanding, can be seasonal or can be related to the tail being dragged on the floor and being dirty. Supposedly it will dissappear on its own in one to three months. You may want to try cleaning the tail with acne pads. Keep an eye out for other symptoms of illness or for progressive hair loss elsewhere on the body which can be indicative of other, serious illnesses. PITTSBURGH FERRET PEOPLE/VETS I am also very interested in learning about good, knowledgeable ferret vets in our area. Please forward information regarding them to me and/or post it on the list! I have heard the vet on Rt. 8 in Butler recommended via the STAR Ferret list and by the Ferret Fanciers Club. I've never been to them since Butler is quite a distance from me, but I want very much to take Paleface in for a geriatric appointment with a _knowledgeable_ vet. He has been having ongoing health problems since last summer, and I want to be sure that I do everything I can to keep him healthy. I'll drive to Butler (or anywhere else) if the vet is worth the trip. (Currently, I see a vet in Beaver, Dr. Kneueven at the Center Animal Clinic. He's really nice, says he treats exotics, and is willing to learn, but I am concerned that he may not know enough.) _Please respond!!!_ Take care everybody! Gina and Paleface [Posted in FML issue 1481]