Someone asked where a new ferret owner would hear about the AFA etc. Myself and a friend donated D. Jeans book to our library. I think they also have Morton's book. I'm about to donate a couple of books on Dog Rescue that lists all the breed dog rescue organizations in the back. The library is one of the first places I'll go when looking for information, like when I was researching getting a dog. Of course now I use the computer extensively too. Maybe if your done with a good ferret book you could donate it? Also give your names to your vet as a contact as sometimes people will call their vet with questions when considering a new pet. Since Sterling wrote about how their different pets get along I'll add what I have experienced just for the sake of additional information. I finally did get a dog. The dog doesn't really like them and they don't like the dog. Actually I think their pretty smart since the dog doesn't really like them. I always feel like I'm on pins and needles. Of course they got off to a bad start as Giesela was very jealous and territorial from the get go and was pretty hateful to the dog. Boris was just scared. Giesela, who is also scared but no quitter still stalks the dog a little and likes to try to nibble his feet (this is not very smart!) but at least she's quit launching herself at his face like a hissing cobra. Some friends of mine had a bird (Sun Conure) killed by a ferret so it would pay to be careful here till you see how things are going. I brought a kitten home once but took it back because Giesela was doing her mean this is my house thing. It might have worked out but I couldn't deal with it at the time. I've never heard of a ferret quite so territorial as Giesela. She actually got in the pet taxi the kitten had been in and laid there giving the kitten, this is mine hate glares. She also backs the dog into his crate and lays around in it when he's not there. Porch stories: Ok I know I'll get flamed for this. I have trouble denying my ferrets things even when I know its wrong. I spent considerable money putting up a double screen on my back porch to make sure they couldn't get out. They love it. They particularly love getting behind the long cement stairs that don't back up to the house quite flush - leaving a little gap they can get into. This made me uncomfortable since I'd never be able to get an injured/sick ferret out. I squeak them out when I have to and so far no problems. I was however getting ready to hire someone to break them up and build wood ones when I realized the stairs are in front of a basement window. So down comes the window, cut a hole in the screen (couldn't get the screen out). Theres a window well then the porch floor. I pulled out: roughly 50 pairs of socks (I told you I can't deny them and have just kept buying more), 3 dishtowels, several toys, 2 hotdog buns, 1 english muffin, 3 slippers, 5 garden gloves, 1 bike glove and 2 drink coasters. I had this huge pile on the basement floor! I spent most of an afternoon matching the washed socks. Poor Boris was heartbroken. But I gave him the worn socks back and the cut offs from some sweats to make him feel better. And now I feel better that I know I can get under there in an emergency. Dooks to all Mary, Boris and Giesela P.S. Why would anyone send hate mail at all much less to Robert Jacobs? [Posted in FML issue 2009]