I just read Sherry's story about her first ferrets in Orlando. I'm in Pompano Beach, FL. In 1992 I too bought my first ferret from a pet store, Pet supermarket. I stupidly just saw him (Stanley), thought about it, and went back to get him within a couple of days. Actually, my 13 yr. old daughter saw him and we bought him. I fed Stanley Kitchen Chow. I bought what was available for bedding. Stanley had a good cage, not great, with cedar bedding. Who knew? No books, little info from staff. I loved him a lot and gave him the best life he could have and I didn't have a computer either. I didn't know about local shelters, etc. He lived to be 5 1/2 and died from cancer. I admit I purchased blindly but I love animals so much I figured I could give him a good home no matter what it took. I wish I had known then.... Yes, he might have lived longer but he did get to benefit from new found knowledge the last 3 yrs. of his life. I have grown to be owned by 9 ferrets now. NOW all my darlings have the benefit of our club/shelter, internet, fml, etc. All I can say is, it took what it took to get here. Thanks for letting me add to the first ferret stories. dona Ollie (I'm #2 and I love raisins) Zoe (I don't like too many treats) Caesar (bark, bark: Daddy slow down so I can catch you) Roxie (Mom, I love to lick and bite your soft spots) Luke (where did you put the trash can, I'm sleepy) Zeke (The Biter-Mom, how can I sleep when you using the pot I sleep in?) Sadie (The Escape Artist) Panda (turn on the shower) Moe (where's Zeke, I want to play) In memory of Stanley and Russia [Posted in FML issue 2609]