At this time of year we expect those folks submitting ferrets in need to be forthright and honest. Placing ferrets on the wonderful "Ferret Giving Tree" enabling the community folks to send a special gift was in my understanding for ferrets who are confined to a shelter - have special problems maybe old age, illness and who won't most likely leave the shelter. A way to make both the days brighter for the ferrets who receive the gifts , and those who provide the healthcare and necessary love... at least that is what "I thought"!! I could be wrong folks! It appears however, there are some personal ferrets listed to a New England shelter which closed it's doors this past Spring claiming it was too much of a burden to do paperwork and fund raise. This shelterer supposedly took in several pets on a vacation trip to FL. Now they are listed on the Ferret Giving Tree as shelter residents at this newly opened? unknown ferret shelter. With the current trend for collecting and hoarding ferrets -- I think it is disheartening to find a former shelterer who is willing to take advantage of the generosity of others in this way. Perhaps a shelter license has been applied for -- but I have received no confirmation from her as to the validity of this -- but then the question comes to mind - If you travel to FL and take in ferrets - why list them several months later as shelter residents? Anyway, I hate to be the Grinch -- but these kind of acts have the potential to destroy a wonderful giving project which has made a huge difference to hard working shelters and their ferret residents over the years. I just wanted to give a heads up to those folks who have spent hard earned dollars - in the future you might want to verify the validity of the shelter ( license number etc.,) before you commit -- as it seems some folks can be deceptive. Hoping all the Holidays are HappY! ALicia D. [Moderator's note: That's a rather serious accusation and I imagine it's difficult to make much of it without knowing any details. I'm not sure what the point of it is, at this stage? BIG] [Posted in FML issue 3999]