Hello everyone! Must say that I, too, am also a lurker. I agree that it's probably an Iowan's nature. I'm not that outspoken unless you really trip my trigger on a particular issue. In regards to shelters in Iowa, I run a shelter here (a LOS National Division shelter) in Council Bluffs, on the western edge of the state, but I have heard of 2 other shelters in eastern Iowa (but have never had contact with them). There also was a shelter in Northern Iowa (north of Sioux City), but I'm unsure if she's still operating or not, as her website's down and I've been unable to reach her by phone or email. Other than that, ARL in Des Moines has ferrets from time to time. Also, in regards to ferret clubs, LOS has a midwest division, which I'm the director of. Currently, we don't have much going in the midwest as no one's expressed much interest in getting a group together, though it would be nice to hold a show or at least a fun day. If anyone would like information, you can email me off list and I'll be happy to fill you in. This isn't Iowa exclusive, either...those of you in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, etc. are also welcome. We've got some really active members out east and out west...and it's time we got something going here in the midwest as well. :) Glad to know there are other fuzzy owners that are also Iowegans. :) Even though I'm a lurker, I read the digest faithfully, and do respond when the mood and occasion strike me. Dooks to you all and best wishes for a happy holiday season! Jen & The Furkids ===== Jen Galas, LVT Legion of Superferrets of Iowa Ferret Shelter Black Dragon Ferretry Help support the homeless fuzzies in our care by shopping with iGive: http://www.iGive.com/LOSofIA If you don't rescue, DON'T BREED! [Posted in FML issue 4375]