I have been helping with placing homeless or unwanted ferrets for a bit now, but not everyday or all the time, just when someone contacts me for help. But, this current experience with Luke has given me an even greater appreciation for all shelter operators, not just those that have touched my life or I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with. So far, the rescue of Luke has cost me $128 out of pocket, plus pending vet charges on Wednesday (let's just say another $50). Granted that shelters receive discounted vet rates, just for the sake of arguement, let's say 1/3 off. That could still average out to $100+ for each ferret coming into their shelter, less for the ones that are perfectly healthy, more for those needing surgery. Just think how quickly those bills could add up and yet they charge $60-80 for adoption fees, but they may have $100, $200 or more invested in that ferret. What is my challenge you ask??? Maybe not everyone can take in homeless ferrets when needed and spend $100-200 on them, I can't do it all the time, but that is what has been required for Luke. I am a single mom raising a 9 year old daughter, making a car payment, preparing to pay for my own ferret's surgery. With that said, I challenge each person reading this post to make a donation of $10 to the shelter of their choice. I don't think we realize how much we take for granted everyday. The simple fact that most of us can afford to rush our fuzzy to the vet whenever he or she is sick, maybe not always afford, but we use our charge card or make payments. I would like to see each and every ferret lover reading this post, send $1 to whatever shelter they like. Need some direction there?? I will throw in my personal plug for Kista in New Jersey or the PA Ferret Rescue. And just to put my money where my mouth is, I will send each of these shelters a donation myself. If you can afford to have a computer at home, hook-up to the internet or even if you are at your job reading this post, I know you can squeeze $10 (or more) out of your budget for the people who go so much further than any of us who are simply owned by ferrets, myself included. Many shelters sell items on auctions and use paypal, so you can even make this small donation via the ease of your computer. So there is my challenge, or maybe a dare!! Need help with where to send the money, email me and I will give you addresses of shelters in your area. Just $10, do it in memory of a beloved ferret you've lost who is waiting at the bridge or a baby you have now that spent part of his life in the terrible conditions that Luke has. Do it as a thank you to the shelter operator who rescued the baby you now share your life with. If not for their caring, god knows where that furball might have ended up. Trust me, there are so many Lukes and worse out there being cared for by these shelters, they deserve more than just a nod of the head or note of 'good job'. Hugs to all... so come on, get out the checkbook or signup with paypal - we need to show charity a little more than just at Xmas.... Do it, I dare you...... Sign me, getting out my checkbook.... Jen and Gang [Posted in FML issue 3046]