I think we all agree that ferrets are priceless, and no monetary value can be placed on them. Thank you, Michael for your post, it was brilliant! We all make sacrifices for the ones we love, apparently some are not willing to make those sacrifices and unfortunately, the animal suffers. AMEN to the shelters who take in these fuzzies so unselfishly in order to "mop up" the selfishness of those who obtain ferrets, make the commitment and then change their minds. Are these the same people who dump their children on others when they realize that toys and clothes are too expensive? I must wonder. As for mac and cheese and hot dogs, this is what my neices want for dinner, even when they are offered a big, juicy steak. I don't think that these children suffered eating this for that period of time. I know parents who don't feed their children on a regular basis, so I don't think mac and cheese is unacceptable. Please do not tell me that all of you with kids out there have never resorted to mac and cheese or worse...TV Dinners (oh my gosh!) I bet you even feed your kids pizza and canned food also. What terrible parents you are! Shame on you! (LOL) I bet ice cream and twinkies are also part of their diet. Oh the shock of it all. Junk food...a crime worse than death (LOL)! You should all be locked up for child abuse! Ask your kids what they would rather have, a week of mac and cheese or their beloved pets not surviving? I bet the kids will say "mac and cheese, please." Gotta go, my Swansons Hungry Man TV dinner is ready. [Posted in FML issue 3193]