Well, Everyone, I am not as good with words as some of you, I guess that is why Alexandra is writing for Ferrets magazine, and i am not? But, i have had experience in a few of the fields discussed as hot topics on the recent posts to the fml, and here is my 2 cents. First of all, when my Eppy went missing, i contacted an animal communicator, and psychic, a tarot card reading , and also many of the fmlr's had written me, regarding Eppy. The animal communicator helped me, with encouragement, and also with a little discouragement, but it was my choice, the psychic, sure mentioned a porch with lattice work, (i learned just how many porches of that description there are in the neighborhood, let alone a city of 80,000 plus, the tarot card reading, helped me too...they all gave me the strength to keep on looking for him, if they did not point me to any particular spot, like the X, on a treasure map, as Eppy was my treasure. How ever, the others, who continually kept in touch with me, regarding my search, told me, that they had seen Eppers with a hand reaching down to him? NO face, no gender, no location, but...they saw and they felt. Lo and behold, 10 weeks later, my Eppy is given over to the Humane Society, here in Kenosha, and i was called immediately. Make your own judgements, on these, things that are told you, but you still have to be the one to make that final decision, whether or not to believe, and of course, your veterinarian, is the best source, but also have learned, that ...here, there are not that many vets, that are skilled in ferret care? Some are willing to learn, some...will... treat and , i w/not go there with this issue. I went through 3 different vets, before i found the one just perfect for my ferrets, and she & he are in my own back yard, nearly a walk away, non emergency. Dr. Maggie Regner is their attending physician, and Dr. Carlisle is their surgeon, and they are both wonderful , knowlegable vets. Dr. Carlisle takes special care of my babies, is a meticulous man, and very thourough when he is doing surgery on any of them, and in the evening, the day of their surgery, will even take them home with him at night. ( I love that man!) To take special pains and time out of his own, to ensure that my babies are going to come through this fine, he will give of his own free time for them. Dr. Regner and I have butted heads on occasion, but she is a GOOD veterinarian, and also Dr. Pisarek, is a known ferret vet, at this particular hospital, too. Since, i am probably at my limit for wording, i w/place a 2nd post on the subject of Troy Lynn, to follow. to be cont. [and here it is!:] part. 2 cont'd. My Odin is still missing, i am still up to the challenge of looking for him, for there are many who feel that someone has him, and i hang onto that thread, lest i become depressed enough, with all the horrible weather we have had this winter to feel otherwise? There are those , who are looking out for me, in this city, with eyes and ears, too...this since i have already posted the location, i w/not disclose. As for Troy Lynn Eckert, look at the shelter list, and what she asks for, the last time i remember , it was a "book of stamps" , she did not post her debts for shelter care, nor any other, requests for donations, vet bills or otherwise. I would have to say, her motto is " FERRETS FIRST" 2 little words, that bear a lot of impact. This is a humble woman, who is very dedicated to the ferrets in her care, and to helping those with ferrets in obtaining the proper knowledge and care for the ferrets she can only assist, through contact, be it email, or long distance calls. Which ever is most affordable or convenient for either. I have had the priveledge of cultivating a (hopefully) lasting friendship with this woman, and she has my utmost respect. When you speak out against someone, you not only harm others, but the creatures in their care, and who is the most important in an issues of this substance? We are all quick to point a finger at someone, we disagree with, but where's the line for compliments? I think her article on hoarding is one that needs to be read and reread, if at first it strikes a irritable chord with oneself, then maybe , one should read it over again, to read what is not spoken in the lines of the article. Self examination and realizing just what our purpose is for sheltering these little beings, is important, who/what is important, our self esteem,(includes possessions) or the ferret, (and their happiness and well being) who needs to make the sacrifices, us or them? Mankind has domesticated many an animal, only for their pleasure and at their convenience or inconvenience, & disposed of them at their discretion? This can be said for many species in the animal kingdom. I have a hard time , visiting the local Humane Society, i remember the first time, when we moved here, i was there 5 minutes and left in tears, for all the faces, that i could not provide the love, and care for, and left, unable to make just one selection, without feeling like i had dishonored any of the others? It took me 2 years to go back there. The same goes for a ferret shelter i had visited last year? To see all those adorable little beings, caged, broke my heart, i got to take 2 of them home with me that day, but there were so many, in need of someone to just love and understand them, and their existence, here, their purpose. I don't have a great bank account, but the ferrets in my care get the best food, and the best of care that i can provide, and i KNOW, that Troy Lynn is doing the same for those in her care, why do you think she works so hard? Many of us, work 2 and 3 jobs, to obtain, those (objects of our affections) (finacial gains/ cars/ homes/ jewels/ the list goes on, others, to try to right the wrong that we have put upon the earth and it's inhabitants. 1 minute at a time, 1 hour at a time, 1 day at a time. Kudos to Troy Lynn, she is a wonderful concerned human, caring for her corner of the world and that of many others too. She has been of great support to me, and we live many miles from one another, but only a phone call away . With great regard, to someone willing to do her best, and sacrifice much. sincerely Donna Christen [Posted in FML issue 4079]