Dear Poster, After reading your post, I had questions; what legitimizes a shelter? I realize there have recently been many fraudulent shelters that were exposed. These frauds were a shock to us who knew them from various discussion groups. So in legitimizing a shelter one of the first questions is who volunteers or visits there? One time is not substantial, it should be many visits over a period of time to observe the best and worst of days, and come up with an opinion as to how the operation actually is. On these lists, we are dependent on the shelter director's representation of themselves, which I can no longer put trust in. I want to hear from volunteers. Every shelter needs at least one volunteer because the shelter director does get sick or worse. It should always be a shared mission for all good logic that the welfare of these ferrets should never rest on one person's shoulders. Further, I believe a shelter gains respect and is legitimized over time by having solid business practices, showing the stability of the shelter and the director. In their particular state is licensing required? Are they listed as a non-profit corporation in their state? Does the shelter director and volunteers work at being financially solvent by various fundraisers. Basically, can they afford to be a shelter? Does this shelter work well with other shelters in their community for the common cause of rescue and shelter? Very important, do they adopt? How long has this shelter existed at this location? Do they rent or own? I enjoy helping shelters, but sadly, I have been taken-in before. I am new here at the FML, so I don't know Ms. Fox or her shelter. So I researched the FML archives. It was quite an eye-opener with letters that were, well, quite private about her personal life. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt that she is indeed a shelter, but with what was revealed in the FML archives, I cannot/will not send any donations of money or supplies. I understand that she does ferret transport and that is indeed admirable. I wish her the best of luck, especially in resolving her personal relationship problems that she has experienced in the last several months, as well as her current desperate situation. After reading the following, I chose not to send a donation. Just my opinion. FML Post 3647 12-30-01 Rescue New Name FML Post 3646 12-28-01 Rescue needs help FML Post 3561 10-04-01 House Share FML Post 3544 09-17-01 Ferrets, errors & cowards . .Oh My! FML Post 3539 09-12-01 Response/Collectors FML Post 3531 09-04-01 Many Thanks FML Post 3516 08-20-01 With a Heavy Heart (Note: particularly disqualifying as a shelter) FML Post 3485 07-20-01 I've got t he bat FML Post 3461 06-26-01 Forever Home Ferret Club FML Post 3446 06-11-01 hugs and thanks to Kim S. FML Post 3446 06-11-01 Ferret Transport FML Post 3334 02-19-01 What's one more? -- poem FML Post 3327 02-12-01 Searching for a silver mitt Best Wishes, Joan Wont [Posted in FML issue 3680]