Beautifully said Marlene- we too have taken in ferrets ( and other animals) from people who were terminally ill, or otherwise compromised beyond their control and guaranteed to care for them the rest of their lives- these animals have been doted upon and cared for very well- it does break the owner's hearts to surrender them, but they do it to ensure the animals have quality care - Ari is a 9+ yr old ferret we currently have came to us from a woman facing harsh cancer treatments & hospitalization (Ari's cage mates Raz & Buddy ahve since passed- Raz had adrenal and Buddy had severe stroke, her other pet Hedges an elderly hedgehog is still with us.) Ari has adrenal and is benefitting from melatonin implants, but due to her advanced age we are pretty much providing hospice. The former owner had rescued Ari from a drug dealer and even took her to Disney World on vacation! What a fantastic person! I secodn that not all surrenders are from bad owners- Beth www.crittercamp.biz [Posted in FML 6408]