I think there will never be enough words of praise that can be said for Kim & Stan and Anne & Jim for taking in these ferrets. It is also very heartwarming to see how people from all over have pitched in to help these little ones who were left homeless. Since I was lucky enough to be able to visit the ferrets at Anne and Jim's home, I can easily say that they deserve a week at Disney World after all the little ones have been adopted. To be able to take in 60+ (or however many) animals at a moment's notice--and to be able to house them in comfort--is an unbelievable tribute to their dedication, energy and organizational skills. The ferrets are warm and cozy with everything they could possibly need for now, until they each find their own home. I can't imagine taking in this many animals immediately and having such a well-organized, well-run set-up. However, this has also caused a lot of people to stop and put everything on hold to take care of this urgent situation. And everyone was very lucky that the Animal Control Officer and local shelter were very sympathetic and wanted to help the ferrets--in another location, with different people, this could have had a very different ending. PLEASE make arrangements for your animals if anything should happen to you--in all fairness to the animals and to everyone who must get involved to take care of them afterwards. Especially if you live alone, and even if you don't, please have a plan and designated people who can be easily contacted and who can get to your animals immediately should something happen to you. I would be very interested in hearing other people's suggestions. Here is my plan: - I carry the names and phone numbers of several people in my wallet to be contacted in an emergency. These people have a key to my house and can feed the animals. - In my house next to my phone are the names and numbers of several people to call in an emergency. I also have listed which animals are in the house and where. - I have 2 people who will coordinate the placement of my animals should something happen to me. Each of these people has the following: A sealed envelope with a key to my home taped to the outside of the envelope. On the envelope is the date it was sent. With the death or addition of a pet, I will send a new envelope and the old one is to be thrown out. Inside the envelope are the names and descriptions of all my animals, vet name and number, foods, and any other critical info that would help someone take care of them. Then there is a long list of friends and phone numbers; these are people to be contacted about adopting one or more animals. Everything is broken down very specifically; I have 3 homes for my (one) dog; a number of people for my cats (certain people for certain cats, etc.); and a number of people for my ferrets. Some people are close friends; others are people I don't see very often but who I know would provide a very good home for one or more of my animals. I have listed as many people as possible who could give a good home, since people's living situations may change. Obviously, if you only have one or 2 animals in your care, this is a lot simpler. I also have arrangements with money and payment for the people coordinating this whole effort, which will hopefully never happen. I would be very interested in hearing other people's ideas and suggestions. Ronnie [Posted in FML issue 3286]