On behalf of the members and the homeless ferrets of the Alberta Ferret Society I want to extend our deepest appreciation and our sincerest thanks to Kristine Lunny and all those who assisted her in creating the "Ferret Giving Tree". We are so completely overwhelmed by the response from members of the FML, who have written asking to become Secret Santa's for our ferrets, that it's impossible to express in words how deeply touched we are. You've read on the FML time and again the struggles that shelters face just providing adequate shelter, maintenance and medical care to the ferrets who arrive daily through their doors. Meeting these obligations is a challenge every shelter faces and there is rarely enough left over to provide the extra's like treats or toys or a new blanket or hammie. The Giving Tree does just that. It brings us together and puts a face to a name and a story to a face. It allows us to have a look inside the life of a shelter and to meet some of the inhabitants there. It gives us an opportunity to reach out and touch the life of a ferret in need and to change it in some way. The Secret Santa's who have written to us are so full of love it comes shining through in their words. How can we help they ask......a toy for Bandit, a treat for Sampson, a new hammock for Betty Boop just tell me what to send? The Giving Tree creates a bond between us all. We thank you Kristine, and we thank those who helped you to make the Giving Tree possible. And to the Secret Santa's, you know who you are, bless you one and all! Barbara Gustafson Alberta Ferret Society President [Posted in FML issue 3970]