Hi Michele: I know that sometimes dealing with ill or terminal ferrets can wear on you, but it takes a special person to be able to handle the extra burden that most people in this world cannot handle or don't care enough to handle. We tried to 'fix' Mr. Parker when he came to us from the shelter 3 months ago, and did everything possible, but sometimes all that is 'possible' is to show them love that they never knew before, for however long that may be. We only had Mr. Parker for 6 weeks before we had to help him to the bridge, but I'm convinced that it was about 5 weeks more than he would have had if he had remained at the shelter instead of coming to our home. You are not the 'angel of death', you are the angel of hope. Many of these ferrets would have no hope if not for you and the shelter mom and others like you. Sometimes hope is enough, and sometimes it's not, but either way, you are giving these ferrets something that they probably never had before, and never would have if not for you. It's hard to see that 'big picture' when your heart is aching, but sometimes the difference between a ferret never knowing love and tenderness in it's life and knowing it for just a short time can mean everything. You and other shelter moms and dads willingly accept inevitable pain and heartache in order to help as many ferrets as possible. If you ask me, only a very strong person can expose herself to that kind of sadness over and over again for the sake of another soul. With respect for all that you do, Jeff In Memory of Neo and Mr. Parker Caring for Trinny, Morphy, Baby Girl, Luna, Dozer, and Possum [Posted in FML 6345]