As a shelter owner and a busy one at that, there were times when we only got 2-3 hours sleep in a 24 hour period due to shelter responsibilities. Days were helter skelter at the shelter and nightsd were spent cleaning and what not that didn't get done during the day. Last year we had almost 2000 ferrets come through this shelter for one reason or another and this year we have already passed that mark. At times, it has been hard to find the time to remember to say thank you. I am constantly sayiing thank you to folks in person that are here, but have found it difficult at times to sit down and write a note or send a card. A good example, today is Ferret Fun Day and no one, including the paid staff and volunteers got to bed until 3-4 am this morning. We open at 9am and go until after dark as Ferretland is lighted and the fuzzies get more active in the evening. I will thank everyone for their help with this event and if they aren't here, they probably won't hear how grateful I am for their help. And Everyone will drop out from exhaustion after it all dies down. This routine can go one for days. So... For all those who haven't heard me say thank you or got a hug for your hard work....Thank you so much for your time and efforts. We all appreciate what you do for all the fuzzies that come to Especially Ferrets Inc. Still the ONLY licensed ferret shelter in the beautiful state of Colorado. Hugs too! On another note, it is never too late to get surgery done for your fuzzies. We have a 12 year old who had her surgery 3 yrs ago. She acts like a two yr old arould the shelter. Her namer is Lioness. She came to the shelter naked except for a mane on her neck and a tuft of hair on her tail. She looked like a male lion. Another case we had was a boarder who was brought into us at the age of 9. His mommy said he had been dragging his back legs behind him for 2 yrs and that as long as his front half was happy she would keep him alive. I was concerned and suggest adrenal surgery as it appeared that the vena cava was being blocked by a right adrenal tumor. We had the surgery done and within two weeks, that sweet little 9 yr old was walking on four feet again. He also lost his incontinent bowels and was able to poop normally. It is sad to hear that so many people aren't getting surgery for their family member in need. When you put a price tag on how much you will spend on your ferret, it's time to quit having ferrets. Honestly, if it was your two legged kid, you pay whatever it cost. I hope to remind all that it's never too late. Ferretguy [Posted in FML issue 3156]