Thank you all for your e-mails. I am sad to say that it looks like I am not alone in this problem. But I am optimistic in saying that maybe someday these specific idiots who cause us shelters our worse headaches, nausea, and stress will someday go away and only responsible people will venture into the world of pet owning. This is not just a FERRET problem. It involves all pets, but we are focused on Ferrets. Some of you shared some stories with me that made me shake my head. I can't believe that there are such people out there, but there are. Again I say, I am sad to say we are not alone. It seems idiots are all over this huge country and continue to add to the list of stupid things that they do. The one story that stuck in my mind was the person who called a shelter to trade in their 8 year old ferret for a younger one. What a freaking moron. Did this idiots parents do drugs or what. I don't know what I would say to a piece of garbage like that. My wife tells me that I must practice on my people skills more. Well stupid blankety blanks like that are not people. Again, I say to everyone out there. If you are considering entering the world of FERRET Parenting, you better not have any plans for the next 10 or so years. If you start dating, make sure they meet your ferret before your parents. Because your future mate does not have to get along with your parents, but they must be able to live with a fuzzie. And if you plan to move, make sure you don't forget your Ferret. If you plan to have children, remember your first child. If you are already a Ferret Parent, remember the promise you silently made when you brought that creature into your home. Its forever. Now the promise I would like you to make to me and on behalf of all the future and present ferrets out there. If you know of someone who is thinking of becoming a Ferret Parent and you know that person is incapable of the task. Then you must do everything humanly possible to prevent the suffering that poor unfortunate ferret is going to be subjected too. You have that obligation now. Then maybe someday Ferret Parents might be able to rub off on Dog Parents then Cat Parents, then bird parents, and all pets. No longer will a poor defensless animal be subjected to animal control officers and no longer will they be euthanized. Responsibility is not a four letter word. Rick United Ferret Organization (note new address) 668 Union Square Ste 234, Sandy, Utah 84070 (801) 572-6010 [log in to unmask] The United Ferret Organization is dedicated to the protectection of the Domestic Ferret and education others about the wonderful companion they make. [Posted in FML issue 2659]