>run a shelter? Don't you have a little *nest egg* set aside for when >these types of unexpected expenses arise? What would happen if let's say Kris, You do not sound rude. Uneducated on the topic that you are discussing, maybe, but not rude. Allow me to enlighten you. "Nest eggs" come and go. "Nest eggs" are built up by doing whatever one can to raise money for said "Nest eggs". That includes making hammys etc. "Nest eggs" are not a self replenishing monetary source.You may have noticed that some people even go to such lengths as to raffle off some things that are very dear to them to help the cause. (Kat Parsons comes to mind). When said "nest eggs" are empty, I pay out of my personal account. I can not do that at this time. And when money does come from my personal account, you can beleive that is one little "nest egg" that does not get replenished. I would not allow this innocent baby who has already been neglected be tossed out like trash over $36. In case you're interested this breaks down into $10 for the blood draw, $10 for the actual test and $16 to ship to United. This is what we in the rescue business call "an e-m-e-r-g-e-n-c-y". When a lif e is in danger, you don't sit around dwelling on "What if's". It's very common among rescue people for their hearts to be bigger than their bank accounts. I took her in because I knew I could raise the money by selling some hammocks. Additionally, I have a potential home lined up for her. I don't completely understand your comment on being reluctant to purchase anything from me. Shipping is extra. If you are insinuating that there may be some sort of disease transmitted from my home to yours, you may eliminate that possibility by washing the bedding before using. That is a precaution that everyone should take anyway. I hope I have helped you understand a little bit about how rescues work. Since I do ADV test my ferrets, I already have the information on United. You are entitled to your opinion. You now have some additional information that may indeed help you form an intelligent one. And by the way, there is NOTHING cheap about rescuing animals. On a more positive note: This was quite an interesting rescue. I show up to pick up the ferret 10 minutes before he said he would arrive at his store and it's a good thing I did. He brought her in a box. This guy didn't want to sign the surrender agreement either because he didn't want to sign for the reason she was surrendered. All of a sudden his story changed and his "reasoning" was that she "didn't fit in with the group." That "group" by the way would include several reptiles and two large dogs. His original reason was that she had escaped and killed a $100 turtle. The poor little girl was so freaked out she was blowing her coat all over me. First stop after picking up was the vet. Unfortunately he was not able to get blood from her and we have to go back in a week. She nipped me when I took her out of the carrier at the vet's, then minutes later kissed me. She's an adorable little dark eyed white with a little less than half a tail covered in black fur. I named her Holly. She deserved a name as pretty as she is and after all, ...Tis the season. Fuzzy Hugs from Kim and da kids at Somethin Up My Sleeve Rescue Ask me how you can virtually eliminate the need for veterinary dental visits. [Posted in FML issue 3986]