I've really needed to write this post all week, but have found it very difficult. I first met Rebecca McFarlane at the Ferrets 2000 Event in Toronto, Canada. But it wasn't until she found homes for several of the Utah Rescues and I took them over to their home in Western Indiana that I really got to see the real Rebecca. She was warm and gracious and made you feel like one of her family. We stayed in contact, for the most part, after that. Long story short, we became good friends and worked together for the good of the ferrets in need. When my husband and I bought a winter home in Florida, we were miles apart, but still in each other's hearts. I would always see her at least a couple of times when we were in Ohio for the summer. It was quite a shock to all of us when Rebecca left so unexpectedly. I assured Larry and Sara I would help in any way they needed -all they had to do was ask. So, when Larry asked if I could give some temporary help with the ferrets, we prepared to bring them to the shelter here in Lima, Ohio. At this time, all 41 ferrets are with me. Overall, they are in good health, have been loved and cared for. They are delightful ferrets. There are a number that are in failing health as can be expected. Larry and Sara would like to keep and care for each and every one until they leave for the Rainbow Bridge, but reality may not make that an easy endeavor. So, some of the ferrets will go home to Larry and Sara again. Some we will want to rehome. I will soon be posting the information on the different groups that will be available. Pictures will be put on the website, and I or a volunteer will post the link when it's ready. I plan to get some of the ferrets' pictures on the Giving Tree for Christmas. The ferrets I currently believe will be available to re-home include the following: there may be a single elderly female, a middle aged female, a seriously health- compromised pair she had just taken in which will need a lot of special care, an elderly health compromised trio which I'll be keeping, a young healthy trio and a young healthy group of four. I'll have more information and pics available shortly. Transportation assistance may be needed as we re-home groups. If you are close enough to visit the shelter and would like to volunteer to help a couple of hours, let me know. Or maybe you'ld just like to play with the ferrets. I'm easier to reach right now by phone (number is in signature line) than email, but I am trying to check email at least once a day. I hope to have another update, soon. Julie Julie Fossa FL (772)228-9067 winters OH (419)225-8383 summers West Central Ohio Ferret Shelter http://www.wcofs.org International Ferret Congress http://ferretcongress.org/ [Posted in FML 5416]