Hi all- Thanks to Debbie Kemmerer for her info on ISO and Kemamine. Good response to the debate, and nice to see a vet participate! Heather, like everyone else, I eventually had to attach my litterbox permanently to the cage so Jasper wouldn't tip it over (he's usually so calm, who woulda thought?). However, attaching the litterbox permanently is a real pain, cause how do you clean it? A piece of advice that saved my skin was to buy a second litterbox, exactly the same size, and place *inside* the attached one. It stays in place, but slips out for easy cleaning. It works so well I can't believe I didn't do it sooner! I, too, took my ferrets out in public for Canada Day. I went to Ambleside park near the beach in West Vancouver, where they allow animals of all kinds. Let's see, my ferrets got called: mice, guinea pigs, kittens, weasels, and some more I can't think of. I played proper ferret ambassador and gave out as much info as people wanted, let kids hold mellow Jasper, and answered all the typical questions. People with dogs were amazed that the dogs were so cautious and scared (a typical response, for some reason). One cocker spaniel came bounding up to the cage, tail wagging. Her owner explained that the dog's best friend had been a *hooded rat*, and that Molly just wanted to play. Sure enough, poor Jasper got hauled out of the safety cage and Molly was enthralled. She just stood there, thrilled to death, while Jasper ignored her and snuffled in the sand. She gently put her paw on his back, once or twice, obviously wanting to play, but Jasper still ignored her. I couldn't believe it. I woulda pulled out Taz or my demon Baxter, but I wouldn't trust them not to nip that sweet dog on the nose. Molly stayed for at least 1/2 hour or more, just sitting and watching the ferrets sleep. What a great puppy. It was baby Baxter's first day out in public, exploring the great unknown. He was a little "squirrley", for some reason. I led him down to the ocean (which he didn't like), and he trotted over to the mussel-covered rocks, which he *loved*. He found a little hidey-hole that sent him over the edge. He tried backing into the rocks a couple of times, but when I wouldn't give him carte blanche to just disappear inside the rocks, he turned and SCREAMED at me! The whole beach turned and stared. Simulateously I thought: "the mussels have cut up his paws and he's in pain", "something's dragging him into the cave and he's scared", "stubborn, demanding little demon", and "great PR for ferrets, Baxter, thanks alot". I took his leash and pulled him up and out of the rocks, hanging from the harness (he was in biting mode). He was totally fine (not even a puffed tail), just very, very angry that he hadn't got his own way. I gently lowered him to the sand, whereupon he turned to look up at me and SCREAMED again!!!! Ear-piercing, heart-stopping: need I say, the crowd was silent. Gathering courage with a weak smile to all onlookers, I scooped him up in my arms- no bites, yeah!!- and walked briskly back to the safety cage. Can anyone say "strong-willed ferret"? I have two other ferrets, and I've only heard one of them scream *once* in the 3 years I've had them. I'm still adjusting to how vocal this little guy is. He's been a little more aggressive the last week or so, could it be that he's in the 5-6 month adolescent stage? He's nuetered, but I assume he will still experience some of the hormonal adjustments sexual maturity brings. Lastly, as soon as Craig and I had set out the blanket and let the ferrets out to play, the first black crow flew up cawing, hovering over the cage, and calling all his friends. In a matter of minutes, we had about a dozen of them circling, cawing, and swooping for a closer look. Craig picked up a few rocks and sent the crows back to watching quietly from the trees nearby. We've noticed the same reaction whenever we're outside with them. One time, Taz even got circled by crows who were closing in on her! Anyone understand that at all? A longer post than normal. Oops. :-) Ariel and her fesnyng [Posted in FML issue 2362]