Regarding the idea of a state "lost and found and/or shelter database"...
I thought I would share this.  I am sure we are not the first or only area
doing this, but it might be of some use.  It's not for the whole state, but
rather just our area of the state..  but I think it is the same basic idea
you had in mind.
 
We have a "registery" for all shelters, rescues, organizations, lost and
found connections etc here in the Tulsa area... the list (much like the FML
list) is updated every few months to include ALL groups for ANY animal and
mailed out to all area vets, pet shops and clubs on the list.. it helps us
keep in touch and know who does which animals for referrals and helping
each other.
 
Just recently, they opened this new online area which includes the
listings... and it covers all animal groups in our area.  And yes, I am
listed there. :)
 
http://www.tulsapets.com/specialty.asp
 
The "Pearls" litter... I haven't seen or heard too much "documented" about
this litter and ferrets yet, but I would like to share MY personal feeling
and see if others agree or think I am offbase... I was looking at it in
the pet store, where they had a display set up..  a full litterpan, water
spryer, scoop etc for people to test how it works.  I got looking at the
"pearls" and held some... very tiny, plastic like beads.... now, I HAVE
heard wonderful things about this product and cats.  However, all I can
think of in regard to ferrets is how mine try to turn litter into a
"sandbox" as it is... we (ferret owners) are constantly warned not to use
clumping or other types of litter due to the ferrets nature and the
possiblity of ingestion.
 
If I look at those pearls from a ferrety mindset, all I can see is 1000's
of really cool, fun looking, tiny balls to play with!!  THAT makes me
nervous. :)
 
To "Anon"..  I am late responding, but as a breeder and shelter who adopts
ferrets out on a regular basis... bounced checks DO happen... people make
mistakes.. whenever I have one, I inform the party and give them a chance
to correct it.  Granted, we don't have the other side of this story, but
based on what you told us... I would consider that breeders actions to be
unprofesssional at best.
 
As long as you are willing to pay your bill, and are not abusing or
neglectng those ferrets..  I don't see how or why they could be taken
from you.
 
I do agree with the comment of not using a money order, you need
verification of payment recieved... if not a check.. please consider
sending the money order in such a manner that they must sign for it,
verifying reciept.
 
Personally, if what you said about what is going on at the breeders is
true... I agree with you... if they were mine, I wouldn't return them
either.
 
Susan Malone
Fanciful Ferrets By Pegasus
Ferrets Unlimited Rescue Of Tulsa
[Posted in FML issue 2820]