As you folks know, when I spoke with Dr. Satalowich in November of 1997 he told me that Missouri was following the Compendium -- no problems included. Well, it turns out that what was happening was that his office was recommending that to locals but locals have autonomy and he retired this year so things are even more nebulous. Troy Lynn and some other wonderful people found this out this last week when there was an incident in which a very ill ferret nipped a vet tech during a procedure. (The ferret later died of it's intestinal illness and the head was removed to test for safety's sake since it didn't last long enough to know if it was clean.) If the people in Missouri want to improve conditions they've got a real home-grown disaster there which needs addressing; you folks need legislation. When trying to shut down an abusive situation don't forget to work with your local major humane groups such as AHS, AHA, or ASPCA. That approach can result in the ferret being saved while the abusers have charges brought against them and the animals removed. Christmas card by Steve with ferret-approved music at http://www.skunk.research.att.com/yule.html Sukie Shame on people who believe in causing dissention in the country while there are men and women out serving on the front instead of waiting a few days -- just so the politicians can get home early for their own holidays, and shame on people like the new Speaker of the House (Livingston) who announce that their own infidelities are a "minor personal matter" but other politicians' affairs are major violations if they are in a different party. What's good for the goose is good for the gander as our grandparents used to always say, so anyone who thinks Clinton should be out but does the same blasted thing would resign if he or she had a shred of honor or logic. I wonder if what we've got in Washington right now is a government or a soap opera? When will all the melodrama end and actual business start? Right now I am frustrated and disgusted by the entire circus on both sides. Arrrggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Now I'll shut up; just needed SO BADLY to get that out once and I figured others do sig lines... [Posted in FML issue 2528]