Not to show any disrespect for friends of mine that tried to put this exact same thing into words in regard to this subject. But your letter touched the point much more deeply I think than past post have. You truly touched all sides of this subject and I for one applaud you. I too agree with you and others out there. No one is calling Zoo down here but her strict policy is in fact genuinely selfish. I hate to say that but the fact remains. If one is to claim sanctuary then one is deemed with animals that are un-adoptable by this I mean Lions, Bears, Tigers, Birds of Prey or any animal not typical of domestication as are ferrets. Ferrets indeed may be presented as un-adoptable and yes some are sick, old, need surgery and dying. Do they need more care, sure but still doesn't make them un-adoptable. Have they been abused? Some more than likely, but that again does not mean they can't be rehabilitated. Now, Im sure there may be some that are probably better left in experienced hands but in general most do well in foster care or in adopted homes. No one however is going to change Zoo's mind except herself. I truly believe Cathy needs to look deep inside and figure out the real reason for this decision for certainly it is not in the best interest (as you said) of those in her charge whether she believes it or not. They have become her personal ferrets in such a way that she has not given sanctuary she has given them a home. All shelters are temporary homes to ferrets and yes some in their care stay the entirety of their lives but not all. A home to a ferret is a forever home that which a shelter is not intended to be. Sincerely, Leanne B [Moderator's note: Kinda hard to make a judgement call like that without seeing the evidence. I think this is a valuable topic, but it might conclude that there are many different ways to get the same result. At least I hope it will focus on results. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 4039]