I would like to personally thank you for the generous donation you sent a fuzzy in need. The holidays will be a little brighter for some little fuzzie out there, because you fell in love with its sweet face. That`s what The Giving Tree is all about----Reaching out, and making a difference. I would like to personally apologize for the shelter mom or dad that didn`t get that thank you off quite soon enough. We didn`t put any of our babies on the Giving Tree, this year--but with 53 to provide lifetime care for, I will tell you what it`s like here... We have many old & sick ones who need meds & special feedings & fluids--One needs his bladder expressed, every 6 hours. We have 53 who need playtime out of their cages with human interaction.The phone rings at least three times an hour, so there are many interruptions. We have been giving tours of the sanctuary, in hopes of educating people about ferrets` unique needs, & discouraging impulse holiday purchasing of ferrets.There are nails to trim, ears to do, and heartworm meds to administer.There are distemper shots to give--and lupron shots.There are hammies, blankies, and sleepy sacks to wash.Food & water dishes to clean & refill. Cages to scrub down--and 27 litterboxes to change daily! There are emails to answer.We need to order supplies, and go to the store for baby food & distilled water.There are trips to the vet. I have another educational presentation to prepare. These things go on, year round, not just at Christmas/Hanukkah. To top it off, we have personal lives ( gifts to buy, cards to address & send out, family gatherings, etc.) Sometimes the volunteers don`t quite show up as planned, so we are up later at night, making sure that everything is done.We have had 17 losses this year. I was with each one as it breathed its last--all but the two who slipped away without warning... It was very draining, emotionally. There`s a $50 check on our computer desk--a gift for the babies here at the sanctuary. It came three days ago. I still haven`t sent a thank you to the wonderful person who sent this. I WILL--- I am very grateful--but I`ve been so busy, taking care of the little ones here. They have top priority. They are what this is all about!!! I have been up since 4a.m. I just now finished in the ferret room!! (It`s 1:30 a.m. now.)There are days like that! I can`t speak for the shelter mom/dad who didn`t thank you yet. I truly hope they do---but please find it in your heart to forgive their tardiness. They are kept pretty busy. (It`s possible that an email got lost in cyberspace too) Christmas isn`t even here yet. Please give it a little time---Be happy in your heart, that you have made a difference in the life of some little fuzzy out there.That`s what the shelter moms & dads are doing, each day of the year. May God bless you! Love, Zoo website addy: www.zoosferretsanctuary.com [Posted in FML issue 4366]