I think the way to survive in any business, not just fundraising for shelters, is to come up with something new, or supply a product that everyone needs......really needs. I learned early on at ferret shows, unless your bedding is something new, never seen, you are just one in a crowd. There is always a ton of bedding to choose from at the shows, and alot of people making and selling cheaper and cheaper. The key, which is often hard, is to come up with something new, different etc. I know, Alicia, I have one of your paintings which is beautiful. If anyone has Sable ferrets, email her to see the hand painted and framed ferret. The Fantasy Art, even though I am not into Fantasy myself, hey, it is different and I do believe it will sell well. Wet your feet by getting a few pieces and see how it goes. I think it will indeed sell. I am not a licensed shelter, however, I do have many struggles like others with raising enough money to stay ahead of the game. Lets face it.......you don't get too many healthy, happy, young and very adoptable ferrets in. Most are older, need surgeries, etc. This happens in all aspects of rescue. (I do Shih Tzu rescue also). And there is ALWAYS someone out there ready to jump down your throat and criticize what you are doing. You would think no matter how big, small, licensed, unlicensed...... we are all in it for the ferrets. Why not work together?? I know our licensed Humane Societies and Animal Rescue Leagues do not know how to care properly for ferrets. They have no idea what so ever about ferret diseases and problems. I will go there, when I have the extra money, and bail (I like to call it-because I do have to pay for them), them out. Then treat their issues and adopt them out. But I don't always have the extra money to do that, and they will not just turn them over to me. It is a shame. Good Luck Alicia, and hopefully you will stick with it. I have met your husband at the Fort Washington Expo center and he is a great guy! I love your products.............. Marguerite :) TinyPrints Shih Tzu and Rescue TinyPrints Ferret Rescue http://www.tinyprintsferrets.com http://www.tinyprints-shihtzu.com TinyPrints Ferret Rescue Ebay Store http://www.stores.ebay.com/tinyprintsferretrescuestore http://half.ebay.com/shops/shops.jsp?seller_id=1093064 [Posted in FML issue 4490]