I'm the Sharon that Sukie referred to in yesterday's post. I don't generally sign my name to my posts (I sign SP) because there are other "Sharons" on the list and this seemed the best way to avoid confusion. Just look for my e-mail address (can't miss it), somehow it got capitalised so it sticks out like a sore thumb. When I first started doing state follow-ups it was because our club wanted to do more ferret information shows and I wasn't comfortable with our currant laws. It now seems to have become my quest. I can't explain it... I think about Kodo or Rocky or what has happened to countless other nameless ferrets. What might have happened to Phoenix if the ferret community hadn't rallied? I have a very good imagination. I have no trouble at all imagining these poor little ones, taken from their loving humans and playmates, shivering in fear, then killed, decapitated, and tested for NO GOOD REASON!! I then go cuddle mine and promise that I'll never let that happen to them. The only way to keep this promise is to do what I can to CHANGE THE LAW!!! I advise caution when asking your vet for updated information. I have corrected several vets in my area who have stated that the law has already changed. Many believe that the NYS Health Dept. has the power to set these laws themselves. In some states they do, but not in NY. If I understand things correctly, the reason this was so hard to get started is because it's been many, many years since any changes were made to the state's rabies recommendations and, frankly, most officials were stumped as to where to even start. We've cleared that hurdle. This week Pete Reid from Marshall Farms will be compiling the legislative information he needs for his meeting with a local Assemblymen. As they were very active supporters of recinding the NYS licensing requirements, they are familiar with our legislative process. I'm hopeful that once this gets rolling, it will go quick. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to bring all this information together for the ferret community to use in a time of need; Sukie, Linda, Diane and countless others who's names I don't even know. Information really IS priceless! I will post with information as I receive it. SP [Posted in FML issue 2300]