>From: Chris <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: Ferret Lovers of East Texas >...I called Patricia Curtis a couple of weeks ... She is one of the nicest, >most knowledgable people I have met in a long time. Congradulations >Patricia on the the success with your two little biters! Thanks Chris!! I appreciate the kind words. I am just a "lowly ferret slave" and must admit I do what I do simply because I love these guys! Especially those who've been mistreated along the way. With patience and love (and a few scars) I end up with some of the sweetest and most appreciative kids here. I really believe they come to understand that I have done something wonderful for them and most become more "attached" to me than the others. Itchy sure has! These are my rewards, the love and trust they show me in the end. The biter boys are coming along great, one of them still tries to challenge me when he gets really wound up playing, but it's only because he wants to be the boss. He is not tearing skin only trying to dominate me and biting a little too hard and he won't quit. I use the "time out" punishment for 5 minutes when he does this, then he'll come out and immediately do the same thing again, we do another "time out", then usually repeat (a stubborn child, this one) until he gets "3 strikes", then he is put up for half a day. We try again later. Over time, I am certain he'll settle down. They are really cool kids at heart. I enjoyed our conversation too, and hope to work with you closely in the future to help alot more furry kids!! Thanks for contacting me! I have a meeting coming up to speak to a Regional Animal Control group, I hope there'll be someone there from your area, too. Would you mind emailing me your phone number again so I'll be sure to have it at the meeting just in case. I haven't lost it, it's here somewhere, but my desks are a nightmare right now, in preparing for this meeting and doing taxes :< Trish Director, Ferrets First Rescue & Shelter [Posted in FML issue 1899]