Yesterday I went straight from work to a local park for the annual BOCES picnic for my sons school. After chasing my 8 year old son and his friend around the playground, I wandered around, talking to his teacher, looking at the 200+ people, half a dozen or so dogs, and I'm wondering, 'Gee, I wonder if anyone brought a ferret??' There - by the hot dogs! A small ferret cuddled in the arms of a teenage student! I made a beeline for the site, and introduced myself. (I don't know what made it more fun- meeting another ferret owner or having the kid next to us ask me what grade I was in- I'm 32!) It turned out that John (the owner) had just gotten his little 7 week old sprite the evening before, so he had a few questions. I talked with him awhile. He didn't know what scruffing a ferret was, so I showed him. Me: 'Just take ahold of the skin back here like this...' (lifting the ferret) John: (horrified, wincing) 'Oh, I can't do that!! I'm afraid I'll hurt her!' Ferret: * yawn * Me: 'Oh, why don't I hold her, it'll make it easier for you to eat.' :-> His little one was sleepy and folded neatly in the palm of my hand for admiration and petting. Later, I threatened not give her back! (Just kidding of course...but tempting...) I gave him my card and told him to call if he had any questions. It's been quite awhile since I've seen any other folks with ferrets in the area, although I know there are quite a few. Maybe now that it's warmer I'll start keeping an eye out... -Ilena [Posted in FML issue 1958]