Sandra, I for one am very greatful for the giving tree. Some say the ferrets don't understand what Christmas is all about but I am not so sure of that. We always put up their own special tree in their room and decorate it. We also hang stocking on their cages one for each ferret. I just love watching them trying to get to the little packages in their socks through the bars of their cages :-). Then when the Secret Santa presents come in, it is such a joy to watch them snoop through the packages. Not all are that interested they would just as well have the paper it came in LOL. I am hoping to get their pictures on photo bucket so all can see when I figure it out. As for Sheltering, I know what you are saying for we are on our own too. I wish I had some kind of tallent to bring money into our shelter but I do not. When they passed out tallent I must have took the wrong train LOL. When I was working I would always take half my pay for my shelter but that is no longer so we like lots of shelters struggle. I depend on God and he always comes through for me. Just wnen I need something the most money comes in from somewhere. I received a check in December for $200.00 from a dear lady named Heidi and that will go for more food for them. Believe me it came at the right time for they are getting mighty low in food. I also got a check from SOS to my Vet to help with vet bills when Sammy came in with the broken leg last October and another check from Clubmeds to help with Sammy Vet bill. I can't tell you what these people all mean to me. My heart is overwhelmed with the love they show my kids. We have 23 ferrets in our care 12 of them are ages 7-9. If it wasn't for my daughter when I came down with cancer I would have had to close the shelter altogether but thank God it didn't come to that. It was a sad time back then when we had to let a lot of them go to other shelters but it had to be done. I am greatful for all the help and support that I had during that time and even now. I am also very thankful to God that I am now in remission. Like Sandra, I do not have volunteers either so as Sandra puts it we are on our own. I wish with all my heart that we could get a few volunteers but the good LORD always gives us the strength to get through each day. Sandra God Bless You for all you do for the kids. You and all shelters every where are in my daily prayers that things will always work out. I pray that God opens the windows of Heaven and pours out Blessings to each and everyone of the shelters. It is hard enough to shelter but to worry about where the next dollar will come from to take this one or that one to the vet or to get the next order of food that is when it is most difficult. I have always stood on a scripture that says. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding in all thy way acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path and he always does :-). May each and every one have a Blessed 2009 this year. God Bless You All Helen http:[log in to unmask] Helping Hands Ferret Rescue A Safe Place to live until a forever home can be found" 3356 Harlansburg Road New Castle, Pa. 16101 724-654-1596 Provide A Home Not A Litter [Posted in FML 6205]