I'm sure someone has thought of this before, but recent events lately have gotten me thinking again. I notice that in some parts of the country there are overcrowded ferret shelters, and in a few areas, there is a waiting list of qualified adopters, but not enough ferrets. I wonder if there can be some sort of exchange set up, which would help to alleviate this imbalance. I realize it sounds easy on paper, and there would be many details, such as transportation, organization, extra steps would have to be taken to minimize ECE outbreaks, stress of moving, medical expenses were paid by one shelter when the ferrets were adopted out by another, etc. Although I belong to a local club, and donate and belong to a few others around the country, I would like to participate in something that would benefit all ferrets. Maybe a website could be set up, where all the central information would be kept and where organizations around the country would post and communicate with each other? It would be a joint effort and no one person or organization would get all the credit. I realize there is always a risk when dealing with people you don't see face to face in other parts of the country, but I find that for the most part, most shelter operators only have the best interests of the ferrets in mind. Maybe a driving chain could be set up, similar to Ferrets Across America (which was a great idea, but I believe had a lack of volunteers, could we resurrect something like that?). I don't know, maybe I am too idealistic and sometimes have crazy ideas, but I would be willing to help out with something like this, if other people thought it may benefit ferrets. If anyone has any other ideas about this, you are welcome to either email me privately or post here. I know my ideas may sound crazy, so please don't scold me if they do, but maybe something good can come out of this? [Posted in FML issue 3381]