Congratulations to Valerie! I am so proud of you for following through. For those of you who have not met Valerie, I want you to know what a wonderful addition she will be to the Navy. This gal has initiative. At the Symposium, she arrived at the shelter dinner to assist in preparations and clean up. All she had was the address. She took it upon herself to find the location and to be where she said she would be when she said she would be there. I know a lot of people whould have found an excuse. Not her. Valerie is not that old, y'all. Yet, she has taken in ferrets and cared for them while still in high school. When she thought she was going to be leaving, she found good homes for them. When that didn't happen, she did NOT try to get them back or complain. She did get another group of ferrets and has provided for their medical needs. She found out why she was unable to complete her dream and followed through with the necessary steps to accomplish what needed to be done. What I see in her instills hope for future generations. Valerie, I have no doubt that your crew will be in loving, competent hands when you finally leave. I am also willing to bet that, if there is a way, they will stay with you. However, I would not hesitate a moment to foster or adopt them. You have earned my respect and admiration. Godspeed... the time will fly past and August will soon be upon you. renee :) The Poop-in-the-Corner Gang & Two Little Poopers [Posted in FML issue 4320]