The Ferret Inn, located in Columbia, Maryland, is regarded as one of the best ferret shelters in the U.S. - but times are very tough. Shelter operator Nancy Wilson says that while intakes are at an all-time high, adoptions are at an all-time low. And the vet bills have skyrocketed too, with 10 special needs kids, 10 permanent residents with ongoing medical needs, and six ferrets awaiting surgery. Every dime raised in our Friends of Ferret Shelters 2008 Valentine's Day raffle will benefit The Ferret Inn. Please visit http://www.shelterfriends.blogspot.com to see all the prizes up for grabs - it's one of our best prize sets ever! Entries are just $2 per ticket, three for $5 and six for $10. Ferrets like Precious, a little girl who spent much of her life alone in a dark closet, covered with her own waste, will give you many "heartfelt" thanks! The prizes include: * a scallop-edged afghan crocheted by Danee DeVore; * a 44-oz. free-standing water bottle with six-stage filter; * two Valentine's Day handmade bedding sets and a free-standing hammie; * three gift baskets with a Valentine's Day theme - gourmet tea and scones, perfect for a romantic breakfast; a body pamper/spa set; and a "Be Mine" ferret gift basket from Tails of Distinction; * handmade ferret tarot cards by Elaine Moertl, donated by Ann Gruden of 1 Ferrets Treasures; and * gold jewelry, a ferret "kitty" tent, a handpainted ferret plaque and ferret notecards! Susann Thiel and Lisa Oestereich Friends of Ferret Shelters http://www.shelterfriends.blogspot.com [Posted in FML 5866]