Per Bob Church: >I've heard people say that a ferret was "getting back at them," or >"holding a grudge." Personally, I don't think the ferret would be so mean >(not being human) as to resort to primitive higher primate back-stabbing >or name-calling rituals. The ferret expresses what it feels. If you get >a lick, it's a positive feeling. If you get a bite, then a negative >feeling. I'm still deciding about the "lick-lick-chomp." Well, I don't know. My ferrets built up what looked like a genuine grudge against me last week when I was still working at my old job while training in at my new one at night. Their playtimes had to be re-scheduled and shortened, and a couple were missed altogether. I'm also in the process of selling my house and they had to stay in their condo while viewers were going through. They (the ferrets) finally were able to have a good old hours-long romp last Friday night. Before they took off on their rampage, however, all five lined up (as far as ferrets are able to line up), walked purposefully toward me, and each in turn solemnly nipped me (gently) on the ankle, even the two who'd never ever nipped anybody before in their lives. This display of negative feelings had a definite "planned" look to it. If they'd been able, I suspect they would've called me a few choice names, too...not that I blame them. That little parade of teeth taught me that promising a nice long playtime "tomorrow" does not work with ferrets. (Later I found a super-sized poopie pile in the middle of the living room carpet. Either someone had been saving it up all week or all five had contributed to it.) Signe [Posted in FML issue 2798]