I often take my ferret Pixel out often for walks, and have develope some ways to deal with people who get on my nerves. I really hate the people who get all mushy and start taking baby talk to Pixel. Here are a few good phrases: - Tell them you're on your way home, and have to things to do. - My ferret isn't feeling well, I think she ate something she shouldn't have, and I need to get her home. - Or just say that you would really just rather relax and not show off the ferret at this time. You have to be firm, some people will use your ferret as an opportunity to pester you, pick-up, or panhandle. If your are uneasy or frightened of strangers you may have trouble taking your ferret out or out alone. Having your pet in public (even common pets like dogs) draws attention to yourself, and is an opening for people you do not know to speak to you. I do the same thing to dog owners, because I like dogs, and like to pet other people's dogs as much as some people like to pet my ferret. I have actually had some pleasant experiences with people who I have encounted on walks. At the post office I met another ferret owner in my neighborhood who we later spend an afternoon with. At the park my wife, Pixel, and I where treated to home made lemonaid from a women who was really interested in getting a ferret and wanted to see how her kids and dog would take to it. (the kids loved it, the dog hid under the bed...) Reaction probably depends a lot on where you live. Being that Los Angeles is a big and impersonal city, most people will not approach us even when we can see that they are dieing to know what it is. Parents are often unwilling to let their children look or talk to us. On the other hand, people who know what a ferret is are often very socialable, as are other exotic pet owners. People who gave up their ferrets before moving to California are often plead to hold Pixel for just a minute, I always let them, and give them a CDFA business card. Dog owners I have found are either really over protective either of their dogs or fear that their dogs will hurt Pixel. I've found that most dogs tend to treat Pixel as if she was a dog (you smell my rear, and I'll smell yours...), although a few just tuck their tails between their legs and stay away. The only dogs that I am generally wary of are the 'ratting' dogs (pit bulls, terriers, etc.) Pixel will not tolerate being drooled upon, and will hiss and bear her teeth at the drooler. My local merchants all enjoy having Pixel in their stores (even when they have 'No Pets Allowed' signs), owners, manangers, and employees are my best source of signatures for legalization petitions, and promoting CDFA and FA. About one out of 100 people are just terrified. Since I've gotten Pixel I've had about 4 people run in terror at the sight of her, events which leave me holding my sides laughing. The only twice have I had hostile experiences. Once of group a girl gang bangers suggested that they might stomp me and take the ferret, but they either where not serious, or where just harassing me because of my race. Another time an animal rights fanatic badgered me about how it was cruel to imprison a 'wild animal', when I explained to the boob that ferrets are domesticated like dogs and cats he said that was even worse, because it was unnatural meddling with nature, but what can you do with religious fanatics.... (I know what I would like to do, but that is another issue...) Brad Falk [Posted in FML issue 1580]