That is what they were called. Four beautiful, loving ferrets were transported here yesterday by a volunteer who is on this list and knows how thankful we are for their help. I was expecting sixteen, four going to a friend, two to another. Ten were to come here. But guess what, only four needed us, I was told the others have a place already! How marvelous! But I am writing to you about cage number five. Four beautiful, happy ferrets. Who, despite living in the 'home' they were seized from, with no playtime, despite the lack of muscle tone and human attention, are happy. They dooked, they danced, they made all kinds of happy noises. They climbed up my arms to give me kisses all at once. The little deaf girl stole my heart. I love the noises they make that they don't hear themselves. I cried when I saw their ID card. Cage number five. No names, not even individual numbers. Just cage number five. Can you imaging spending your life that way!? I cried, it hurt me to think of them that way. They didn't mind, they kissed my face and sang happy nonsense ferret songs to cheer me up. And then I had to let them go... Yes, they had a permanent home waiting with my friend (I am sure she will post) and I had to let them go. It was love at first sight. I refused to split them up, which was also a condition of taking Utah babies, we couldn't split the groups. I had to let the little deaf blaze girl go and boy did I miss her. Thought about her all night, couldn't sleep. but I know she is in great hands. I'll still get to see her, and she can come to visit me too! but anybody out there have a deaf shelter kid? One who will get along with others-or not. One who needs someone who understands how to teach and love a deaf ferret like I do? I would love to have them here, forever. They are my special babies. I am vacillating between Joy that the other ten found a home, and a bit deflated after all the preparations and adrenaline I had going yesterday. I was so prepared!!! Rescuing is my calling, what I thrive on. The joyful look in the eyes of those who have new mommies and daddies to love them is my reward. The happy dance of the reformed biter. I feel my part in helping has diminished, like I haven't done enough! I did get five in an owner surrender yesterday morning, from a truly wonderful ferret Mom. It hurt me to see her give them up, she loved them very much, and told me all about them They were all "rescues" somebody else's babies who couldn't keep them, so they gave them to her. Not too many people have a legitimate excuse for giving up their ferrets, but she does. I won't tell the story, and she is reading I am sure. I want her to know that they are cared for here, and did well the rest of the day. I'm going down to check them now, and am pretty sure I have a home for all of them already! They can be separated you see, and the two girls are wanted in one home, and the boys in another home. And I'll be empty again! Is it a good thing, or a bad thing for a shelter to be empty? well, I've said my piece. Everyone hug your fuzzies, they are so much more remarkable than you will ever know. Kim Wolf Mystyx Ferrets and Rescue www.geocities.com/mystyx_samoyedsnferrets www.petfinder.org/shelters/OH48.html PS- I am still making hammocks for the Utah kids! Please buy one! see them at www.geocities.com/mystyxrescue/fundraisers.html you pay $10 per hammock plus $3.50 postage (which will cover up to six), and send the money to SOS, and we split the $10 per hammock evenly! [Posted in FML issue 3550]