Right on Zoo!!! I haven't seen it put better! We took in the 4 sugar gliders, a degu and 2 chinchillas from a home based shelter that closed due to not being able to raise funds only a week and a half ago- it does happen nearly every day ill bet somewhere- so sad! Thursday we are taking in the animals that were deemed unadoptable at an area animal control department, they would have been euthanized otherwsie- this time we are getting 3 guinea pigs, 3 gerbils, a mouse, a hedgehog, a ringneck dove, and two 6+ year old ferrets we can make the room, but hey it is more food to buy another vet visit, vaccinations for the ferrets, etc- we are very careful not to over extend- but how do you say no? who do you let die? for no reason other than people dont want them anymore- the way i see it is that every animal we rescue was bred specifically to be a human companion, a pet, therefore we as humans in general owe that animal a good healthy safe and happy life - whether or not it is 'useful' for us, even if it isnt cute, cuddly, young or healthy- even if it bites or is otherwise aggressive due to mishandling or just its temperment - people must not just kill these animals - thats why we are here- to keep the meanest gerbil in the world happy & well fed ( his name is killer and the entire staff at the pet store were terrified of him!), to see that the ferrets with illnesses get their meds and their care, to give lots of toys and good food to the kinkajous that have bitten and mauled people after being mistreated, to give a safe home to the sugar gliders that were tossed around the room until one ended up paralyzed from the waist down, to see that the bunny is always comfortable that had been covered in a cage with a tarp tied over it with no food or water & left in the hot sun on a 100 degree day- and lived!, ok we have 200+ animals and i could go on & on but i will stop here- please everyone- and everyone you know- give few buck to the shelter or sanctuary of your choice ( whether they care for a specific type of animal you have or love, or are near you, or whatever reason) seriously- a few dollars really helps- zoo is right! beth www.crittercamp.biz [Posted in FML 5923]