Paula,

As a writer, I am a person who believes words matter. I know you didn't intend to equate human trial participants with animals. Both of us have been in the trenches long enough to know what it's taken to change this attitude, and we surely don't want to give back any ground.

In our writings, we must remember that many newbies lurk here (as we once did) hoping to come across information that will help them better cope with Parkinson's. They don't bring the same experience to the discussion as we do and can easily misinterpret things if we don't choose our words carefully.

Though I used your words as an example, my cautionary reminder extends to all of us veteran posters. I hope this clears the air between us.

Sheryl