Cambrey, you are off to a great start by knowing of Kim Schilling. It makes me think you may have actually purchased the book "Ferrets for Dummies." I hope that you will read it carefully before going a step further and getting a ferret. And, another step to take would be to volunteer at a shelter on a regular basis to learn more about the care and upkeep costs of a ferret. (I wanted a ferret in the 60s and my parents said NO, although I did have a series of German Shepherds named Rebel! It was not until 1993 that I got my first ferret. There is no expiration date on wishes!) You asked this list: I was just wondering if there is anything anybody could do to show my mom how great ferrets could be? That can be easy or hard, depending on your mom. I am sure that many people will help you out. What I would like to do is ask a few questions for you to consider. I am not going to answer the questions because I believe that YOU need to show you are serious by doing that yourself. If, after you have carefully researched owining a ferret and decide it is not a good idea at this time, may I suggest that you consider sponsoring a permanent shelter ferret by making a monthly donation of time and money to help make his/her life better. First, how old are you? Are you planing to go away from home to college? Who is going to care for the ferret? Do you have any idea how much vet care costs will be? Do you have a local ferret-knowlegeable vet? Where will you keep the ferret? How will you make sure that the ferret doesn't become a smelly intruder? How are you going to pay for the special diet your ferret needs? Anywayz, another question I had been wondering is if anyone had a shelter or has a ferret near where I live. I live around Richmond, Tx. So if you can give me a shout-out at 832-595-4164. My name is Cambrey so give me a call. Also, please help me out with this ferret/mom battle. All I want is a sweet ferret and the only thing I've ever got is those stinky little fuzzballs at Petco. The following shelters were found on the American Ferret Association Shelter list (http://www.ferret.org). There are other lists, but this is a good start. Check into the local shelters and see about volunteering. They will love to have you, I am sure, as it is a lot of work. The first ones are in the Houston area. Ferret Boarding House Director: Brian & Cynthia Hill Houston, TX (713) 869-5956 Forever Homes Wanted Ferret Rescue President/Director: Dana Jarrett Kingwood, TX (832) 687-7840 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Website: http://www.ferretrescuehouston.org For the Love of Ferrets Director: Jimena & Gail Hummel League City, TX (281) 332-4948 Tricks & Treats Rescue Director: Vicki Montgomery Pasadena, TX (713) 472-6599 Fax: (713) 472-6599 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Alternate E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Website: http://tricksandtreats.petfinder.org A little farther from you (about 2-3 hours) but still within driving distance: San Antonio area Ferret Enthusiasts (SAFE) Director: Candi White Po Box 190042 San Antonio, TX 78220-7000 (210) 661-9195 Alternate Phone: (210) 661-0608 E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Website: http://www.saferrets.org The Weasel Waystation Director: Ann Holman Bryan, TX (409) 589-2870 -- renee :) It's amazing how much can be accomplished if nobody cares who gets the credit! Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue & Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.) http://www.ferretemergency.org [log in to unmask] International Ferret Congress http://www.ferretcongress.org American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org [Posted in FML 5522]