re: ferrets that get even with you My sweetie Fang (the woodstove monster ferret) used to dig in my fake Fiscus tree and scatter the packing everywhere; When I caught him in the act, I held him gently by the scruff with one hand, supported his little bitty butt with the other, held him just inches away from my meanest face look, looked him in the eyes, and said in my gruffest voice, "NO, NO, NO! Bad Fang!" (it was very hard to do this, as I have never once felt genuine anger towards him). Then I would set him down, only to have him lope around the room, charging at my ankle every other loop (didn't bite, but it was the threat that he could do it if he wanted). It was all I could do to keep from laughing, as I felt it was important that he knew I meant business! A little while later, I would find a big poop in the middle of the carpet...just for me, as he never did this at any other time. BTW, it only took three times using this form of discipline, and he never dug in my tree again, and it's been four years! Again, I am blessed to be a new FML subscriber, and I learn from you all every day! I feel your sadness, and your joy, and wish you all more of the latter...Bless your hearts and your babies', lizzi [Posted in FML issue 2805]