And a story . . . I became a ferret owner (first time) about 7 months ago, quite unexpectedly. A good friend's neighbor had a litter of 7 week old kits and asked us if we wanted to come see them. Knowing the horrible reputation these evil little creatures have, I was somewhat distant to them . . . . at first . . . but after leaving couldn't quit thinking about one of the little males I had handled - so sweet. I brushed it off for a few days - convinced my 3 cats would disown me if I brought one of these things home. A few days later, went back to see "him" again - and totally fell for him. Even so, wanted to think more about it as I didn't know ANYTHING about ferrets, except that they're mean and they bite. AFter a few more days of agonizing over this, decided to bring the little guy home - kindof on a trial basis. Needless to say, the rest is history -can't figure out now how I ever made it thru 42 years of life without one of these guys. My cats adjusted very quickly - they seemed glad that at least he wasn't another cat . . . and I was absolutely sure I didn't need ANOTHER one. Admittedly, I was somewhat overwhelmed with "Slinky" at first - so active, so busy, just sooooooo everything - alot of work at first, but we all hung in there and soon settled down to life with Slinky (was there ever really a life without him?) - who by the way has NEVER bitten me, my cats or anyone else. I can't believe how misunderstood these little guys are by the general public, and that I used to be one of these individuals. About a month ago, I decided to get another ferret - these guys are just the coolest. I was willing to pay the going price for one, starting looking around and reading the BBSs and was shocked to find out how many neglected and abused ferrets there are out there in shelters. As luck would have it, the home where Slinky came from has turned into kind of a ferret rescue - they foster several shelter ferrets at a time until homes can be found for them. When I went over to see them, I was even more convinced that this was the way to go . . . and adopted a 2.5 year old little male that barely weighed a pound when rescued in early October - he was so weak at first he could barely eat, and almost didn't make it. Lucky for all of us, he had lived in a loving home for a long time, before being given away to another family, due to a job transfer, and is just a little lover. I donated the money I was planning to spend on another ferret, to the shelter, scooped the little guy up and brought him home. He, Digger, and Slinky were friends in no time - and the Slink is so happy to have a friend like himself to play and sleep with. One was a riot - the 2 together are just hysterical! I still get a bit choked up when I look at Digger now and think about what he must have gone thru - but he's up to 2.8 lbs now and still gaining - and am so glad we all found each other. Slink, at 4.2 lbs., has alot of respect for the older guy and somehow seems to know he's had a rough time of it. An added bonus . . . Slinky used to have some real litter box problems - but almost never misses since Digger came to live with us ! My hope is that anyone who is thinking about getting a ferret, or adding one to their family, and hasn't considered a shelter ferret, to PLEASE check it out. You may find just what you're looking for - I sure did. Unfortunately, they are very easy to find. Carol, The Slink and Digger Too [Posted in FML issue 1751]