Dear FML'ers A few days ago when I was writing my e-mails & letters to the USDA and my local NJ politicians--I decided to write a thank you e-mail to Dr Kudrak herself--or at least try. I found the website for the Hospital she works at in Poughkeepsie NY and sent an e-mail of appreciation to her. She wrote me back today. Really sweet e-mail from her. I am so glad I wrote her. As soon as I first read about the petition I knew I would write the USDA--however to be honest--the anger and frustration about Ferris' recent health issues and Anthony's adrenal surgery really fueled me sooner than I had expected to write. One thing about the illness' to be grateful for right? I know we all have our share of kit/Pet shop horror stories I do to--too many to talk about-- However one really sad incident sticks out in my mind-- I have been working on (kindly) educating a local shop that sells MF babies. I stop in often. The babies on this particular visit seemed so tiny & young to me--the usual age I know but I just happened to stop by the day they arrived---so tiny. 2 sweet tiny boys--one Colored White with really big expressive dark eyes-- was suckling his sable buddies ear. (He so reminded me of my Ferris) He was all white save for his solid black tail & one single spot of black on his butt. Truly the cutest baby ferret I have ever seen. The next week I stopped by to find the tiny Colored White boy whimpering & crying out loud--non stop--all on his own---his buddy had been sold and he was crying out in his fear & loneliness OMG---I cannot even tell you what earth summoned strength it took on my part--to not buy him right then & there--and to exit that pet store--Oh I can still literally feel the ache in my chest as I write this--the images & sounds of that babies soulful pain--will always be imbedding in my mind. Fighting within myself on the drive home. Thinking of the four I already care for at home. The four I already struggle with to afford proper medical care. If I take this one home will I soon find myself in a place where I cannot afford someone's future medical treatments? Definitely. He was too young to be taken from his mother, too young to be weaned--and then too young to be separated from his buddy. I am SO glad my daughter was not with me that day, but I told her about it and she has written her USDA & NJ Politician letters as well as some of her friends. Anyhow everyone please be sure to write Take Care All Mary Ann [Posted in FML issue 4464]