I've heard quite a few people complain about shelters not responding to their e-mails about the Giving Tree. I even had someone email me last year asking why the shelter I volunteer with didn't take the time to send her a thank you note. That she found it "rude" :-/ !!!??? I'm confused. The address for the shelters is listed under each ferret on the tree. So what is the issue? Is it that they won't respond when you're asking specifics about what to get? Or do you want them to make sure they know the ferret is getting something? And that it's from YOU? Ferret shelter operators are a REALLY busy bunch of people. Most are managing jobs, family as well as a shelter. They've got sick ferrets to care for, vet visits to deal with, running around town picking up surrendered ferrets - it doesn't end. If they don't respond - send whatever you want to send. Maybe it won't be EXACTLY what that ferret needs but so what? Maybe they'll get other items and swap them around between ferrets. It's not like each ferret is going to sit down and open THEIR present and then fight that one got better toys than the other! I think we need to remember that this is all about giving. It's not for you to get recognition, it's not a "favor" you're doing for the shelter. If they don't respond just get some ferrety stuff - mail it off - and smile knowing that you're making some fuzzy's life a bit more happy at a shelter. That's what this season's supposed to be all about. Laura and The Seattle Seven at www.ferretocious.com [Posted in FML issue 5090]