“While alot of people like my Digital Realism technique, it is strongly advised that if you do not have a graphics tablet, you should refrain from doing Digital Realism fur. The repetativeness of this technique can lead to wrist strain and eventually, carpal tunnel, if done with a mouse, and done too frequently. . .”
http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials/2dstarfinder_fur/starfinder_fur_01.php