First off, I need to apologize.  As usual, I have bitten off more than I
can chew and there just isn't enough hours in the day to do all I need
to do.  I could list off all the things I am doing that are taking so
much of my time, but that would just be an excuse.  The fact is that I
am behind on several things and all I can do is beg patience.  I will get
things done - I always do - I just may not get them done as quickly as
I'd like!  I am sorry and will get to everything as soon as possible.
Let me update a couple things:
 
The FML 5000th Celebration ended with a huge bang!  What a wonderful
community this is and what a way to work together!  Sukie's brilliant
mind came up with a way to not only thank BIG for his dedication and hard
work, but to benefit ferrets everywhere as well!  FML members - 199 of
them, joined together to raise $8415.50 - half going to SOS and the other
half to the IFC's ELF.  In my mind, this is an amazing feat and I have
been so proud to be a small part of it!  Thank you to everyone who made
this possible!!  Please stop by the site and see the wonderful artwork
donated by Deva in honor of BIG!
<http://www.geocities.com/imdella/fml5000.html>
 
The FML story - how fitting that BIG wrapped this up in the 5000th issue
and what a wonderful ending it was!  I hope you all had as much fun with
this as I did!!  Anyone wanting a complete copy needs to e-mail me now!
I had a list somewhere of all the names - but in the aftermath of the
hurricanes and flurry of activities I've been involved in...somehow that
list got misplaced!!  E-mail me right now - and I'll send it right away!!
Thank you to all of the contributing writers and to the eager readers!!
Anyone want to do a Christmas story?????
 
Hurricane Katrina Care Packages - I'd like to thank everyone who has
contributed to this project so far!  My husband says my house looks like
a ferret supply warehouse!  So many wonderful people contributing so
many wonderful items.  To date, care packages from been sent to: Vicki
Montgomery (delivery on this package was held due to Hurricane Rita - I
don't know when it will be delivered, but will keep checking), Bobbi
McCanse for Cheryl Clark's ferrets, Nancy Bardwell in Shreveport who has
provided aid to several precious babies, SGT Scott McRae - who rescued a
precious one from a school house.  Four more boxes are going out this
week and I will update those after they have been shipped!  I would like
to run a list of the contributors and the items donated to date - but I
know I would be over the allowed limit for a post on the FML!  If anyone
is interested - please e-mail me privately.  When this is all over - I
will post a final thank you and acknowledge everyone who has helped to
make this a success!
 
The Hurricane Raffle - if you haven't seen this yet - go here:
<http://reaneelgladden.tripod.com/squeezlesgalore/id20.html>
 
Just some awesome, awesome stuff here....and more stuff is being added!
Details as to when the Raffle will start will be posted soon.  Several
people have already sent money to purchase tickets - you can go ahead
and send your requests for tickets now, but tickets will not be given
out until the official start of the Raffle!  Check back to the site often
for updates!  Thanks Reanee - another wonderful idea!!!
 
The FML Calendar - Hopefully will be ready to ship this week!  The
finishing touches are being added and it will go to print very soon!
Several have already sent checks - yours will be the first to ship!  For
details on how you can own this wonderful ferret masterpiece, please
visit:
<http://www.geocities.com/imdella/fml-calendar.html>
 
I'm telling you...Sharon has simply outdone herself this time!  Please
check it out!
 
And last...I know there are many, many other fundraisers out there - so
unless you are a fan of the Black-footed Ferrets or Sharon Bearden's
wonderful patches, you don't need to read any further!  On October 22nd,
the IFC is putting on the Forum in the Fort in Fort Collins Colorado.
This event includes a visit to one of the research and breeding
facilities of the Black-footed ferret!  If you live in the area - there
is still time to sign up for this event!!  This is going to be a
wonderful, wonderful event!!!  For more details, go to:
<www.ferretcongress.org>
 
If you are unable to attend the event, you can still support the BFF
by purchasing a special edition Black-footed Ferret Patch designed by
Sharon Bearden!  More info about how to get this patch will be posted
soon!  I've seen the patch....it is totally awesome!!!
 
Thanks to everyone for their patience!
 
Judy Cooke
Co-Director IFC
Support Our Shelters
[Posted in FML issue 5012]