When we added a second ferret to our family, our first ferret, who was 2, had the patience of a saint. The new 8-week old had different play ideas and, of course, a different energy level-all magnified in the close quarters of a cage. For instance, she wanted to wrestle in the hammock and, worse, she still craved the wonderful experience of nursing from her mother. She found the closest thing to nursing in her new cage-our first ferret's ears. She would even try to pump her head for milk. Our first ferret endured the antics for weeks and her harshest defense was hissing. Her discipline was patience. The patience worked and now, after 9 months, the 2 are great companions. They share, play, and explore together, and make soft pillows for each other in the hammock. Fannie has forgotten about nursing. I wonder, though, what our first ferret thought when the kit suddenly appeared in her cage. "How did this happen?" "I don't remember being pregnant." "Is she here to stay?" "I'm not sure I like this intrusion, but it's interesting anyway." I also wonder what inner direction made her so kind and gentle through that trying "adoption" period. [Posted in FML issue 2061]