I too have reveled in the recent experiences of the symposium, in fact I reveled all the way home. Along the way I had an epiphany! Before I had even unpacked I made a couple of calls to share my idea for the NEXT SYMPOSIUM. Please consider joining us in BOSTON for the 2009 International Ferret Symposium! We at South Shore Ferret Care would love to be the hosting shelter and local go-to's. I checked with April from Totally Ferret and she is indeed thinking of wedding bells at the symposium and is open to the Boston location. I sent off an email to Linda for committee consideration and chatted with Renee. Apparently I understand that it is a group decision so let me tell you a little bit of what we have to offer: BEACHES: Yep, we have plenty of those. Take your pick local beaches include everything from Boston Harbor to Cape Cod. We have plenty of lakes and ponds as well as a pool at the South Shore Ferret Care Shelter location. ATTRACTIONS: Boston Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, Faneuil Hall, Historic Sites, Harbor and Duck Boat Tours. (Lots of people get married there!!) Airport: Logan Airport is an international transportation hub from pretty much ny direction including you folks from Canada. For most of you folks who attended the recent symposium it's only another hour or so by plane and a few hours more by car than Pittsburgh). Hotel: Sheraton Hotel is just a few miles south of the airport in Braintree. It's right off the major highway. They routinely have events such as ours, reasonable room rates, are able to provide in house food and beverage needs, ballrooms, conference rooms, media presentations, and other hotel amenities such as internet, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, recreation, fitness room etc...as well as lounge and a TGI Friday's attached to the hotel, major shopping mall across the street as well as a cinema. Ground Transportation: Logan Express Shuttle to and from the airport goes right by the hotel. Driving is easy just off the Mass Turnpike (ask Donna Spirito and Dianna Derochers from Ferrets are Love, The Educated Ferret), as well as all major routes. Hosting Shelter: South Shore Ferret Care -- Diane Wall (that's me!) along with Michele Paulhus, and wonderful shelter saints such as Risa DiVencenzo of SOS, Ronnie DiComo, Laurie Austin, Rose German of Little Feet Ferret Retreat Bedding, Eleanor Meade (Minky 98) who creates those fabulous ferret figurines on line and recently raffled off at the symposium, Kristen Baker & Diddy Wheeler both of Mass Ferret Friends. And of course my traveling buddy, Renee Downs, of whom I have provided ferret sitting services over the past few years. South Shore Ferret Care is a home-based shelter, rescue and hospice center which is located at my house less than 5 miles from the hotel. The house is fairly large and able to accommodate 30+ guests inside (as we have two level raised ranch). Depending on what season in fair weather we have a huge yard, small pool and have hosted major summer events which included vendors, food, bbq activities. Perfect setting for the shelter dinner. Local Assistance: We have a large group of ferret owners in the area who can provide any assistance needed. We have many, many ferret experienced vets in the area who would certainly attend such an event as well as offer to speak. Possible Speakers and Possible Topics: Tufts Veterinary is only a few miles from us as is Angell Memorial. Perhaps Dr. Joerg Mayer would be able to attend this year. I'm sure Dr. Connie Orcutt may be available from Angell Memorial which is the National Animal Poisoning Control Center. Perhaps Katherine at Animal Pharm, who is local and may wish to present on being an Animal Compounding Pharmacy, she is less than 10 miles away. I'm sure Dr. Purcell or Dr. Mitchell may want to participate since we are not too far from them. Dr. Purcell is also friendly with Dr. Flavia Zagnottti of Phoenix Veterinary (mentioned as recently having a confirmed FIP in a ferret which was discussed at the symposium). Other available vets would also include Dr. Susan Harrington of Randolph Animal Hospital, our shelter vet and does many of our surgeries, Dr. Jay Could from Mattapoisett Animal Hospital of whom I believe has more than twenty years experience in treating ferrets, Dr. Grace Strake, South Coastal Animal Hospital, who assisted us with all of the needed surgery and treatment for our Ohio DMK Ferrets and has handled most of the MSPCA ferrets surrendered. Noted is that spays and neuters are not common to Massachusetts as state law requires all ferrets to be spayed and neutered for every ferret. Many here are fascinated to see and learn about whole ferrets and breeding. You all can teach us a lot!! Perhaps Alicia Drakiotes would assist us from Ferret Wise. We have a dedicated MSPCA Law Enforcement department who could perhaps present on the reporting and documenting cases of animal abuse, removing animals from crime scenes as well as keeping yourself safe during rescues. An important topic would also be Mentoring Others to Foster and open our future shelters, as well as how to manage foster homes as well as managing emergencies and hot lines. (You folks from Kansas City could teach us loads on that subject I bet). More importantly, what topics do you want to see? Let's have some suggestions! Possible Vendors: Of course all of the vendors at the symposium would be a wonderful treat and locally we would have available: Rose German of Little Feet Ferret Retreat, Eleanor Meade, creator of so many hand crafted ferret sculptures (Minkey 98), Ferret Wise, Donna Spirito of The Educated Ferret & Ferrets Are Love and of course South Shore Ferret Care with Wonderful Weasel Soap, and Diane's Dry Dook Soup. Local Shelters: South Shore Ferret Care - Diane Wall, Massachusetts Ferret Friends-Diddy Wheeler, and The Educated Ferret-Donna Spirito, Dianne Derochers. Possible Dates: New England can be wonderful year round. May is pleasant with warm and moderate temps, end of June or July is warm and pretty, and perfect beach weather, fall is wonderful for the foliage. We can be flexible to any time that works for all of you! And unless there is a specific timing of these events even a 4th of July with fireworks on the half shell or Columbus Day in October for a long weekend full of events (even bridal) would work. I'm sure I'm not thinking of the millions of tasks involved, but what do you think? Please consider Boston for the next location........ With Sincere Gratitude to all and a Warm Welcoming Invitation, Diane Wall South Shore Ferret Care (Wonderful Weasel Laundry Soap and Diane's Dry Dook Soup) [Moderator's note: While all suggestions are considered, please note the IFC isn't ready to commit to a location yet. Also note the just held symposium was in the Eastern part of the country, so that may lessen the chances for another Eastern location this soon. While this is not an "official" statement and all locations will be considered, please don't plan on Boston -- or anywhere else -- just yet. BIG] [Posted in FML 6153]