Well, this happens every so often. Someone calls the shelter or was referred to the shelter, leaves a message and expects a response from me as if this was all I had to do. Since you chose to bring this to the FML, I will respond through the FML. First contact with us was via email on 02/20/00. I was in California, but responded to you with my pager number and my return date, along with information regarding other shelters in the area (which are MUCH closer than Oregon). I brought my laptop along on vacation to be able to respond to those who knew only how to contact us through the Internet. I picked up your message from my paging service that following Tuesday. My paging service ALWAYS answers, so the 'no answer' you received was incorrect. I received two emergent pages from you that Thursday. I knew I would be unable to answer, so I called someone who would have the time to talk to you (since your number is a long distance call) and gave her your number. She called and spoke to Dana. It was explained to Dana that I had a hectic schedule, especially this week since I started into a new practice, but had set aside all of Saturday to do shelter stuff. Dana said that Saturday was inconvenient -- and Sunday would be better. Since Sunday is my family day, an appointment would need to be made directly through me. This was the last communication between us. Most shelters are run out of people's home. WFA's is no different. This shelter was started out of pure love for fuzzies. The time, effort and money that goes into running a shelter can only be truly appreciated by those of us who do it. Not only have I sacrificed my time and money for this cause, but my family has had to learn to reschedule events, deal with complete strangers coming into our house, phone calls at all hours, and literally sleeping with ferrets who need the one-on-one attention. People who are so quick to criticize others are often lacking in themselves that of which they are critical of. Whenever you are ready to walk a mile in my shoes, let me know. Oh, regarding the 'flaming' and 'your other half' -- be grateful my entire family along with the many others who do know what it takes to run a shelter didn't answer this -- there would only be smokin' ashes. Liane Beckwith Director, Washington Ferret Association and Shelter [Posted in FML issue 2981]