Dear FML : This may be one of the hardest post I've ever had to make. When the Ferret Giving Tree first started, Mary and I were running a shelter named "Mkaresq". We always had anywhere from 30 to 70 ferrets in our home. Kristine Lunny started the Ferret Giving Tree - and that was the best thing I ever saw. Mary and I put our sheltered ferrets up and they all received Secret Santa's. Mary and I were so overwhelmed !!!! People sent our babies all these wonderful things, Just to make our lives easier. That lasted for about two to three years, Then Kristine came down with family problems and could no longer do the Giving Tree. When I found this out - I e-mailed her and asked if I could take over and use some of the thing's off her tree. She gave me permission and said take what ever you need and thank you. That was about 11 to 12 years ago, and I've been doing it since. I have put my heart and soul into the giving tree for many years and I know time & program's are changing. In the beginning everything was good - but as years have past - I have head the frustration in your voices and that's ok. Last year was tough and I ran behind. Started late and it lasted way too long. MY fault and I apologize for that. I had great helper's that backed me 100%, making sure the tree was finalized. I thank each and every one for the help you gave, also the input you gave me. Every year the Trees where completed. I learned (as of 9-6-09) that the giving tree was up and running and ferrets were up, with a program that was great. My wife was asked If I started up the Giving Tree. I said no why? Then I was told that it was. Then someone sent me the link. My first reaction was disbelief & shock!! This was not me. I had NO Idea about this Site I was hurt, and in shock that some one would do this with- out contacting me. They had since the end of last years tree to contact me I will admit that the new program works very well, I'm just hurt the way it was done. 11 years I thought someone would talk to me before hand and not just take the tree away from me, and letting me help. So, that being said - I will not be doing the Giving Tree this year. There is no sense- its already running and would be to confusing, and IT"s ALL ABOUT THE FERRETS AND SHELTERS. That is why I did what I did - Not for Fame But For The Ones That Can Not Speak For Themselves Thank you for the years you have given me - and All the backing from the best Ferret People I,ve ever known for being the Secret Santa's through the years. Shelters - YOU deserve all the praise for what you do through out the years - God Bless What You Do Thank you for your support P.S. May your Sheltered ferrets get what they wish for Kris S Mewton [Posted in FML 6455]