While I have been reading the FML for years I only post occasionally.
You wonderful people have at times given me hope when hope is slim,
given valuable advice and pointers, and often times provided humor
when most needed.

I had been part of a larger rescue network in NV and last year moved to
WI where I continue to do this work on my own. My rescue is small - I
generally have around 23-25 ferrets among other animals and this is is
all expensed on my own - no raffles, no donations, etc.

I am not complaining - it's a lot of work (as others have stated pretty
much 24/7) but I love it and all of my kids. The group that I had been
and still continue to be associated with in NV provides me with much
love and support and I couldn't do this without them or without the
FML.

Today I feel compelled to write regarding the Giving Tree and all of
the controversy that I am reading about.

It's my feeling but this is a wonderful thing that the group is doing.
From the people that spend their time setting it up and monitoring it
it to those that post for their ferrets, to those that play Santa to
those ferrets on the Tree.

Let's not get immersed in the pettiness of the details. It's about the
ferrets, isn't it??? If people take the time to post their ferrets on
the Tree, then let's honor the spirit of what it stands for and even in
these hard times, give for the ferrets. It's not about the prople, the
number of ferrets allowed, or anything else. Some shelters have many
and they need what can be given. We don't always know their specific
situation.

I have never posted any of my kids on the tree as I've been lucky and
have been able to provide for them though I have been Santa to many.
This year, recently, I lost my job after the move but I think I still
will be able to provide the same vet care (though we don't have any
insurance for me or my husband - we'll survive), I have plenty of
fleece and and with my new extra time can make new bedding, I can still
provide good quality food, so for now I'm ok.

My long message, and I'm sorry that it ran so long, is to honor the
spirit of Christmas and give for the sake of the ferrets. After all,
that's why we're all doing what we do, isn't it?

thank you,
Loree

Travelers Haven
Ferret Rescue, Education, & Rehabilitaion
Stevens Point, WI  54481 

[Posted in FML 7223]