Good morning folkes, I'd like to add my .02 in here on the subject of small shelters. Being a small shelter myself,I can tell you it's very time consuming.In my area,I'm the only one.I cover a tri-state area. As for a surrender fee,I most of the time don't get one.Why? Because,the vets will put that ferret down for as low as $8.00.And most of the HS's here,either don't want to deal with ferts or don't have the room.Most will call me to come pick up said fert.Or the person will give the fert to some mean kids who think it's funny to watch a dog attack the fert. I don't normally ask for help.I figure that all shelters need help. That people should contact the shelter & ask what they can donate. Until recently,I have been doing the shelter all by myself for years. Now,I have a board of directors & some help. I work a 40+ hour a week job,have kids(human) & the shelter.My day is very full.I get to bed about 11 p.m. & get up & started again at 5:30 a.m. I must keep the sick kids on a schedule.It takes me 2 hours twice a day to clean litter boxes,cages,do meds. My computer is so outdated that I'm not even able to use my scanner with it,dispite a new gadget to make it work.So,my page still needs updating.I do have someone that helps me with this.She has donated her time to do my page.I pray daily for the funds to buy a newer computer. I have some very sweet people that donate their time to help my shelter, like Val, with her hammie ideas. I tried to have a ferret festival back in May.It was a flop.Wrong weekend to have one.But it was so much fun to meet those people that did come.And they were a true belssing to have them help me out with it,even if we didn't raise much money. All the shelters work very hard to care for the ferts in that shelter. It's not easy.Alot of their own money is used to cover expenses.But they do it for the love & well being of the ferts. I'm not to good at writting,so hope everyone understands what I'm trying to get across here. Dooks,Sandi Heaven Scent ferret Rescue/Shelter http://fuzzyslave.tripod.com [Posted in FML issue 4309]