Hi, fellow FMLers. It's been a while since I've posted. I hope this message finds everyone safe, healthy and sane. My manuscript has been submitted at last (AGAIN!), and I'm being promised it will hit the shelves by October. Only a year late. Besides the rotten, stinking, stupid title, I think it turned out pretty well. I have a few weeks to add a couple sections, which I think I may (anal gland impaction, Aluetian's and Eosinophilic gastroenteritis). Don't know if I'll get a third wind to actually do that, but that's my intention. Thanks to those of you who helped me along the way. I have a couple months before the FINAL shelter listing appendix has to be submitted. If you've made any changes in the last couple months, e-mail me privately. It's been a very rough year for me personally, which got me thinking. In 13 months I've lost 10 friends to death. All were very dear to my heart. 4 were very young people and their deaths very unexpected. 2 deaths happened within the last week (1 just yesterday morning). I'm "waked" out and physically, emotionally, and spiritually (sometimes) bankrupt these days. Just darn tired. Two or so weeks ago I went in for a routine check-up. Now I have a doctor hounding me to go for more tests to rule out the "Big C". I'm 32 years old. And I have 130+ critters that count on me every day. Needless to day, I have not made that call to make the appointment. I'm scared and also a procrastinator. Heaven knows if it was a ferret with an abnormal "whatever" he or she would be rushed right into the clinic. Ain't that always the case??? My USDA inspector had me make provisions for each of my critters long ago in case something should happen to me. I also make mention of that type of thing in my book. Critters are frequently the last thought of during times of illness and death. I sometimes wonder how many animal people out there have good solid plans for their babies=85.. At a shelter I once volunteered at, it was common to get in poor old dogs and cats whose owners died and had no where else to go. Makes me very sad to think about - but I'm also glad to know I have a few people who are committed, ready and willing to provide homes to my/their "designated" critter(s) should I croak. On another note, I always have wonderful fuzzies up for adoption at Animals for Awareness (Illinois). We have 30 furkids now. Eight are my personal babies - the rest are up for adoption, but most have been with me forever, and they certainly aren't being pushed out the door! But they need more than I can provide at this time. All ages, many wonderful personalities. Some with special needs. All blue ribbon babies in my eyes. E-mail me if interested. Sorry for rambling. Those of you who know me know I rarely post, but when I do... everything comes out. Take care, everyone, and kisses to your fuzzbutts. Kim Schilling http://www.animalsforawareness.org Animals for Awareness a USDA no-kill sanctuary Dedicated to the rescue of exotic animals Come join our new Onelist! Procyanid_Viverrid http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Procyanid_Viverrid For the raccoon, coati, kinkajou, ringtail cat, genet, civet, and binturong lovers! [Posted in FML issue 2947]