>From: Edward Lipinski <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Confession of an Infidel In response to your post regarding the WA show last year-- Ed -- have you ever been to any other shows??? They are all very similar-- ferrets kept in small cages / carriers... serving several purposes-- not allowing them exposure through handling to ECE or other illness, also deterring nip incidences... I agree it seems not the fairest for the animal confining it for 6 hours or so, but hey-- most ferrets sleep during the day any way. I feel that you are pointing fingers in the WRONG direction -- you need to address those who set up the judging standards AFA- LIFE etc. perhaps instead of picking on the host of the show, you can more effectively deal with this area of show standards and presentation with the folks who design the juding standards and protocol. Heyt I may be in left field, but it's another thought!!! The reality is whether showing, cats, dogs, ferrets, it is seemingly slef serving for the owners of the animals-- but there are some other aspects of it-- apparently they eluded you! Alicia [Posted in FML issue 2122]