Once you have become familiar with your local HS, SPCA, or county shelter, and they with you, it is easier to form a working relationship. But, it takes time, and requires patience. The first time you walk in their door, they are not going to necessarily listen to you. But when they have gotten to know you, and you have demonstrated that you do know about ferrets, they may be willing to call on you are a resource when ferrets come in. When a relationship has been forged, though, there is a lot that can be accomplished. You can make sure that the people wo work in the shelter know that ferrets need yearly rabies and distemper shots. They need to be tested for ADV before adopting them out. WHile they are housed in the shelter, they need access to water and a good high protein food 24/7. They need a place where they can get total darkness. you explain some of the important things that should be considered when adopting ferrets out to a potential home. You explain about ferret proofing .Etc., etc. Now, say you have a good relationship with your local animal shelter, and you learn that someone has 60 or 70 ferrets they want to unload. You know that there is a good chance the ferrets have not been receiving proper care, and in talking to the person who has them, you also learn that they are not up to date on vaccinations, and there there are few if any health records on them. You contact your local Animal Control Officer and/or animal shelter, and explain the situation to them. Most likely the animal shelter will not have sufficient housing for such a large number of ferrets, so you offer that you and some friends can provide foster homes. You and your friends can also help with the intake operation. You do not take charge - you let animal control be in charge. But, there is a good chance that you will be allowed to provide foster homes for the ferrets. What is the value of this? If the legal authorities and local shelter are in control, them they are going to assume the cost of vaccinating the ferrets, giving them a physical exam, and testing for ADV. Further, if there are any whole ferrets, they are going to take care of the spay and neuter charges. They may even pay you a small amount to put toward feeding the ferrets. And, while this may be a small part of the expense of a rescue, it is at least something. Think how many adrenal and insulinoma surgeries that can pay for. More important, though, if there was abuse or even neglect, the proper evidence can be gathered to press charges and hopefully stop the person from doing it again. But the above scenario will not happen if we wait until there is a problem to try and work with the authorities. By the time there is a problem, it is too late. The relationship must be in place ahead of time. Probably most of us feel that the authorities do not understand or know ferrets. And, we may be correct in thinking that. But, saying they don't know ferrets and trying to handle things on our own is not going to change or improve anything. It is time for ferret lovers to become proactive, and start educating the authorities about ferrets and their special needs. -- Danee ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know! For more information visit: http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom To find out how you can help visit: http://www.geocities.com/help4adv/index.htm [Posted in FML issue 4300]