Hello everyone! My name is Dee, and I've been a member of FML for a few years, now. Lately I mostly lurk, but I DO read. For those of you who don't know me, I'm in my second semester of college after being away from school for 20+ years. I'm mom to 11 fur kids, mostly from shelters between NY, NJ, PA and FL. A few of them are hard to adopt ferrets (blind, deaf, blind & deaf, needing meds, biters, you get the picture). Some have been abandoned by their original human parents. I'm going to ask a favor of the ferret community today. I try to fit ferrets into my class assignments whenever possible (my teachers roll their eyes and laugh). I have to write an essay for my English Composition class about something I feel strongly about. Having volunteered in several shelters, and reading FML and other newsgroups and bulletin boards, I am aware of the aspects with animal abandonment on small and large scales. I am aware of the burden this puts on shelters across the country. I am aware of the stress and depression that follows for the animal being abandoned. What I am asking for is stories from shelters and private owners with regards to abandoned ferrets or any animals (I know some of you shelter more than one type of animal) that I can use for reference in my essay. This essay will not be published. It is strictly a class assignment. I will change names for those of you who request it. I just really want to make an impact on my class with regards to a subject that I DO feel strongly about. Perhaps this essay will follow them far beyond their college years. I hope some of you will respond to my request. You can write me at [log in to unmask] Thanks in advance. Warmest Regards, Dee, Mooch, 'Spresso, Breezely Bruin, Charles, Dash, Vera, Good Will, Havoc, Nala, Rudy and Sweet Pea. [Posted in FML issue 3722]