A long time ago a wise friend told me that I should accept help as graciously as it is given. When we help another it makes us feel good and also gives us a small opportunity to contribute to the care of the ferrets. I know from personal experience how overwhelming it can be to try to care for a large group of ferrets when you aren't feeling well or are injured. Each day can be a struggle. When it comes to that point it is important to contact others for help, whether it is friends or family members. Shutting others out isn't the answer. Remember that it is for the ferrets that we do what we do and as long as they are our little charges we need to push ourselves beyond human limits, and when we need help, for the sake of the ferrets we need to ask. Those that volunteer to help should do so with a loving heart, not to harm another but to better the situation for everyone involved. Working together can make all the difference to our little charges. I'm saddened for the loss of lives and the heartache in the recent confiscation situation. I hope that we all learn from this situation that it is better to ask for help than to let things get so far out of hand that the ferrets may suffer for it. And please remember, it isn't a number issue, it is a care issue. Some people can properly care for large groups, while others may only be able to care for smaller groups. Older and sick ferrets require more intensive care at times. On the ferrets that were euthanized in this recent situation, I wonder how many would have lived if a ferret knowledgeable caretaker had been involved with the confiscation. Sub-q fluids can make a world of difference when a little one is dehydrated and recipe can do the same for malnutrition. This we may never know. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org [Posted in FML 5869]