I guess I'll just repost my original response to this, which was in a Michigan yahoo group. Yes, I am actually already paying for the surgery. The foster is making arrangements at her work to get it done, and if it is not done for free, I am footing the bill. I have a few fosters that can take in fuzzies, but most are already full up from taking on ferrets on their own that they see in ads and such. Yes, I am in California. I still get calls from people since my number was out for so long. The foster is a vet tech.....and also, the ferret has been evaluated already as needing the surgery. It's just a matter of the owner having decided not to do it. She does need it. They also had their shots renewed this year (as of this month). The ferrets don't just go to anyone. I also have fosters do home checks and check ups when I need to (if I have not previously adopted ferrets to the person). Many people on this group, I have spoken with over the years or know from other groups, etc. I always give people your number and shelter name, as well as Dee Gage's. I explain fully what I do. Then, I have the owner call and meet with the person interested, if a foster is not available to do a playdate. In this way, they can personally approve this new person. There is nothing final about it. Then arrangements are made for the ferret to be transferred to their new home. I have flown back to Michigan to handle things when I could not do so online. Nanci - I never had a lot of ferrets at a time. Thirty was the max. In all of the ferrets coming in and out, I only had Mr. Peepers and Angel that were adrenal. That's two. And no, no one wanted to adopt them. How many adrenal ferrets are there in large shelters that no one wanted to adopt? I had about a month to two months to help find them homes. I decided, after their surgeries, since no one wanted them, I would just keep them. That's what I meant. It is hard to find someone who wants a sick ferret. Even when they have had their adrenal surgery. I don't understand your comment about the moving the ferrets. No, they are going to the foster and they will be brought to her work for a 2nd evaluation. I trust the vet that the current owner brought them to, but a second opinion will not hurt. The $500 is going to cover the visit, the surgery, and the pain meds as well as extras if the ferret is going to have the surgery at my foster's work. I will pay for whatever is necessary at this point. I'm sorry about saying full. In my mind, full and closed are not the same thing.....I won't say it again, although I don't believe I have stated that in most of my posts at all. I might be wrong, though. I thought I usually just post their info, and where they are, etc. All I meant to convey is, one less that doesn't have to go to a shelter unless necessary would be good. I don't know anyone who would rather have their fuzzy go to a shelter with many other ferrets, than a foster. I won't say full again. Again, I only get calls for a few ferrets a month, and most of the time, I have no problem finding them a home. Also when I refer people to you, sometimes they call me back after a week, stating you haven't call them back. This has happened several times. I explain to them that they need to keep calling, because you are busy. Then I get emails of "I never got a response back". So I refer them to Dee at the same time. Also when people want to adopt ferrets and I know of none that need homes, I always give your info and Dee's. I don't know what the deal is, but I definitely just let them know it takes some time to contact you.If there is a different number than the one on MotorCityFerrets that I need to be giving out, please let me know. I am not trying to steal ferrets away from you, or Dee, or anyone. Everyone involved has your info and hers. And often I explain to them that it's getting hard for me to find homes, and when I can't, I simply say I can't find a home and they need to make arrangements. If the ferrets need immediate medical care, obviously I can't find it a home. Obviously I tell them they need to call you or Dee immediately, and if they say "it's too far" I get a foster involved. You don't understand how many ferret owners in the Lansing area decide that driving to you or Dee is too hard. And they leave messages saying they're going to dump a ferret outside and other wonderful things. So yeah, I still try to help. If you are willing to do pickups all the way in Lansing, let me know, that would be wonderful. Otherwise, yes, I am still getting calls, I am still involved with Michigan. But it is so little now with so few homes on my list that want ferrets, that it is dwindled down to basically a referral of you and Dee. I really do refer people to you and Dee. And often I never hear from them again, or I sometimes get a follow-up call that they brought the ferret to one of the shelters. Sincerely, Laryssa [Posted in FML 5912]