Another thing that all 501(c) 3 organizations and those in process of getting that status must do is keep itemized books of where the money went. Most organizations can send a copy of the past fiscal year (or at least could look through their files to find it) to show you where and how money was spent. Asking for a shelter's veterinary references is usually a good start too. Shelter's and their vets usually have a closer relationships that a shelter director and his/her mother, so if a vet has no idea who you are talking about or can't recall when a shelter has brought in a ferret... it is a big sign that something isn't right. Even small shelters make almost monthly trips to their vets' offices. I'm glad that these issues come into the light now and then and give a nice reminder of how to keep money flowing where it is most important -- to legitimate causes. I hope everyone is doing well and checking out the Ebay auctions for some of the legitimate causes out there. :) Laura Baran [Posted in FML issue 4420]