Included below are Examples 1 and 2 taken from FML Digest #1998-2539 dtd 12/28-29/98. May I please ask that you compare the implications of the two examples: Example 1 hints that ferrets and kids are a NO-NO. The author, Sue Savage, is apparently pleased with the implied warning that there may be a danger with respect to kids and ferrets. See her last sentence, "Nice ... kids!" Compare then the last sentence of Example 2, wherein Mr. Rick (sorry no surname given) seems to imply that the ferret is a "wonderful companion." (No qualification whatsoever.) Mr. Rick of the Utah United Ferret Org. would serve the interests of mankind a little better were he to qualify his statement to reflect the concern expressed and appreciated by Sue Savage in her obvious sensitivity relating to ferret/kid interactions. Please note that I have reservations too, based on my several experiences of ferrets lacerating infant scalps. It would appear that Mr. Rick is so traumitized by the actions and rehetoric of Mr. Jack Hanna that his overwhealming love for the domesticated ferret bursts forth in the manner of a sympathetic explosion, perhaps somewhat uncontrolled. May I suggest that as a spokesman (?) for such a wonderful org as the Utah United Ferret Org. that Mr. Rick qualify his "wonderful companion" words to reflect the KNOWN & DOCUMENTED & PROVEN behavior of some few ferrets that have in the past, do now in the present, and will continue in the future to cause serious physical and possibly mental damage to human infants and to children (kids). This is not nice to say and with no intent toward malice against all the owners of pet ferrets, nevertheless it is a behavior trait in some ferrets that cannot be predicted with certainty, nor can they be readily identified prior to their strike. The two examples I've cited herein may serve to illustrate that deep and glorious heartfelt love for an animal can and in the one case (Example 2) will prevent the lover from seeing any defect whatsoever in the object of his love. For many of us ferret adulators it is indeed hard to admit to a behavior trait that powerfully negates the ferret as a "wonderful companion" in all circumstances. For many of us such behavior is beyond our experience and may even seem to be incredulous. My plea to all is to come to this admission of defectiveness; then, once confessed, work toward the understanding of this objectionable behavior so that remedial efforts may be undertaken to eliminate it. That my friends is a big order. Shall we all take this first step - don't negate negativity; instead admit it and do something about it and pronto? Otherwise, somewhere, someplace and soon there will be blood spilled again and it will be on our hands. Edward Lipinski, Er selbst sagt: Achtung! Los! [G] Hey You! Let's Go! Example 1. >From: Sue Savage <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Petco > >Got an ad in the paper today from Petco..They are advertising ferrets for >sale. Says "Entertaining, playful, and a great pet for adults. Their >instinct for adventure is unsurpassed! At select stores only. Not >available in California." > >Nice to see they're making an attempt to keep people from buying them for >kids! Example 2. >Lets stop this jerk before he does anymore damage. And for those of you >out there who like criticize others on the FML, get your facts straight >before you do so. If you put half the effort into standing up for Domestic >Ferrets as some of you do bashing others on the FML, there would be no Jerk >Hannas out there. > >Rick >United Ferret Organization >808 E. 9400 S. #150 Sandy, Utah 84094 >(801) 572-6010 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 2540]