Upon returning to the FML after years of absence mostly because of health issues, it was with no intent to pick up any battle standard. With my population under 10 ferrets and almost all old-timers, I thought to buy a few good kits and get in touch with the ferret world again. To this end, I had already decided to sell some of my jewelry on eBay. Both to finance increased medical care for my little old ladies and extra for kit money. I manage on a small disability pension. And just the cost of keeping the crew in raw prey diet, cooked turkey, chicken, etc., Wysong canned, Evo & Totally Ferret, and 3-5 jars of chicken or turkey baby food a day .... at 99 cents a pop, well, you do the math. Right off the bat, I was dismayed to learn Bob was about to undertake his world study, of many years in planning, with virtually no to very little financial support. That he had to ask for help made me cry..... tears of shame for all. Bob has been a friend for, I don't know, 15 or 20 years. He has been a friend indeed to all here. And in all of this time, I have never seen or heard him ask for anything. That he had to plea for our financial support....well. Rather, he gives. And gives to everyone. And he has dedicated his life to ferrets in so many ways it simply boggles my mind to think of all his work. He has persevered thru years of crippling pain and illness by autoimmune diseases. Only someone who has suffered the blast of autoimmune disease(s) can know how hard it is for him. How much pain and fatigue and malaise he suffers. I know, because I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, prednisone & autoimmune induced diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Grave's Disease, Autoimmune liver failure and a few more. He has incredible will and strength of mind to fight all of this and embark on a journey of study and collection of DNA that will help all of our ferrets in the future. In fact, in my opinion, he has contributed as much or more than anyone else in the world of ferrets. His critically important work now will impact our beloved ferrets in so many ways. Have you not grasped this? If Bob was not doing this work and study, who would? How many more years would we read of the suffering of ferrets who will doubtless benefit from this work? And his crime which drew sarcasm and implied criticism from Kevin? That Bob is also enjoying himself? Shame. How much have you contributed Kevin? And the attack on Lori who has apparently suffered financial problems in the past? What business is it of any of us how she managed to join the work in Australia? I know nothing of her problems and please do not enlighten me. I don't know Lori but I am happy for her. When I learned of Bob's need for financial support, my plans to raise a bit of money for increased vet bills and acquiring some kits changed and broadened. I decided to help Bob as much as I am able. So, no more kits for now. Still in for medical bills and money to help Bob. I will continue to sell my jewelry and send Bob money as often as I can throughout his entire trip. I am glad to have it to sell. I have always loved ferrets and jewelry and then one day, well, it all came together.... He still needs more financial support. So, if you have not donated yet, please do so. It is so important. If you need information on how to send a contribution, please contact me or Bob or anyone else here who has donated. And Kevin, kindly put a lid on it! Cheers, Meg Chaotic Ferrets "If you are not part of the solution, you might be part of the problem." [Posted in FML 5987]