I was a bit dismayed about the listing of an advantage of a free standing shelter would be to allow Jean to get her life back. I've heard this said from a couple shelter operators, about wanting to get their life back, and both times it struck me that perhaps they didn't have their heart into sheltering. I realize this post wasn't from Jean and that she may or may not feel that way, but there are some people that do. Ferrets are living breathing feeling little beings and I consider ferrets my life. Without these precious little beings I wouldn't have a real life. Sure I'd be alive, probably have lots of money and nice things, but what meaning would there be to my life? I could come home to a clean house but it would be an empty house without these precious little needy beings. When I am able to help ferrets and people it gives reason to my life. And shelter operators, rescues, sanctuaries do more than help ferrets, they help people too. When one has a sick ferret or a ferret problem and needs advice, who might they call? Or when one is grieving from the loss of a beloved fuzzy and needs a strong shoulder, who might they call? Or if one needs a ferrety friend to talk to, who might they call? If you guessed shelter/rescue/sanctuary operator you got it. I do understand that I am a little different and I accept that my ways may not be what others consider socially correct or normal and that not everyone agrees with them. But I truly don't understand how anyone helping another being doesn't realize that their help gives meaning to life in so many ways. hugs. tle [Posted in FML issue 5339]