Hello all! First I want to thank everyone for the wonderful cards and letters to my ailing Cosmo. It was very unexpected and so greatly appreciated! I do not subscribe to the mailing list, I get to hear about bits and pieces from a friend. A very DEAR friend, who I have learned has shared some stories about my shelter with you. I am not the sort to ask for help. I rarely come out of my shell, only to take care of my ferrets, who usually take up all my time. I love every single ferret that comes through my door, and lately I've been getting a lot of adrenals, most of which were inoperable and living at the shelter, and some have passed away in surgery. I have been struggling with the shelter, both financially AND emotionally. I do not want to get into a lot of personal stuff, so I will get to the point. My friend has told me about a few fun raising efforts on the FML. I would like to know if there is anything or anyone out there that can help my shelter. I was told about a Card Exchange, Raffles, and various other efforts. Is there a way my shelter can be included in these efforts? Please e-mail me at [log in to unmask] with any comments or suggestions. I have stopped taking in ferrets as of today. I lost another in surgery Friday, it was a ferret that was surrendered because the owners could not afford to take care of him. This is a common occurence, and I have to bear the financial and emotional load of these guys. I've come to a point where I feel I can no longer continue. I received a call from the vet today about a little ferret that had a blockage and needed surgery. Because the owners cannot afford to take care of her, he offered it to me. Of course I said yes, "put it on my bill". A bill, of course, that was already high. How could I say no, and have him put her to sleep? I know the people, and I know the ferret. She has been here for boarding, ear mite check, etc. She is very young and full of energy. I do not have any "adoptable" ferrets. It is rare that I have anything under 4 years of age. I do have a lot of "older" guys, but nobody seems to want an older guy or a special needs ferret. So they all end up living here, some of them are basically waiting to die. It's very emotionally draining. I would appreciate any help you could give me. I have been ill for several weeks now, which makes matters even worse! So far the ferrets haven't caught anything. I will cut this short, if anyone would like more information or just chat, send me an e-mail. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! The FML'ers are very kind, compassionate and understanding folk. When someone has a problem with you spending upward of $600 on your beloved pet...remind them that the shelters do that on a monthly basis. Donna Angel Ferret Shelter, Inc. [log in to unmask] Angelferret.com [Posted in FML issue 3672]