OK by now I hope the majority of you were able to receive and read your "Ferret Mother's Day" Hallmark e-card. (For those of you who did not receive the card, that is only because I did not have your email address and in no way reflects that you weren't deserving). The purpose was simple: We live in such a fast-paced, over worked, under paid, over committed, over taxed, busy, CRAZY world now (with no end in sight it seems) these days! Consequently, all too often the good, memorable, lasting, and truly important things (AND people) in life go un noticed and fall by the wayside... So, my card was hopefully a reminder (as small a token it was, in comparison) that the time, love, energy, money, and effort given to ferrets everywhere is NOT in vain and hasn't gone unnoticed so I sincerely hope that's the message each of you received :-) And for the overwheling amount of 'thank you's' I've received, I would like to, in turn, reciprocate my gratitude for your replies HERE since I may not have time to answer everyone individually (although I will make my best effort). Thank you for taking the time to share your appreciation as well and share your stories! The replies really warmed MY heart! BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE! PLEASE READ ON . . . . I need EVERYONE'S assistance to complete the SECOND PART of this goal. In my initial plan, I said I would make a contribution to my "ferret donation fund" for each email address I received of a special ferret mommy and then donate the total amount collected to a well-deserved ferret shelter. Well, I received over 200 hundred names/email addresses and the problem is that there are so many 'well-deserving" and needy ferret caretakers and shelters that I can't possibly make that decision on my own! SOOOOO.... I am asking for all of you to send me a "brief" email (please limit to 2-3 paragraphs)including the following information, to help me make the best informed decision, and I will then announce the reciepient on the FML: 1. Who do you think shoud be the receipient? 2. WHY that potential reciepient? What makes him/her unique? 3. What is/are that potential reciepient's most current, pressing needs (besides money)? 4. How long has that potiential receipient been working with ferrets? DEADLINE for submissions will be May 20th (so I can send the donation prior to Memorial Day at the end of the month). Don't delay - get those emails to me ASAP please and title the subject header of the email: "FML Nomination" THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE! Jennifer and the "3 Amigos" :-) [Posted in FML issue 4872]