I do not post often but I was upset to see the post from Kim attacking the ferret shelter Mom, Sandra, that had the unfortunate incident with the "bad" kids and the parents who did not correct their children's bad behavior. Special need children are special, but often do not understand the way to handle animals. The parents are to blame for this situation, not the children. The parents should have worked with their children so they understand how to handle any and all animals. Shelters look for help all the time. There is not much help out there. You often take what you can get. If the situation does not work out, you do not invite the people / person back again. You often do not know the person or people that offer to help until they come to your shelter. It is very difficult to correct / discipline other peoples children, especially with the parents right there. They may not have understood ferrets and how they should be handled / cared for. This was a learning experience and I am certain it will never happen again. Each person handles things differently and I am certain this was an overwhelming experience to say the least. To have lost ferrets due to this situation is unbearable, I can not even imagine how Sandra feels. This situation was out of her control, so please do not blame yourself, Sandra. Just learn from the experience. Sandra, I am so sorry you had to deal with this situation, with people who did not respect you or your ferrets. I am sure you will never let anything like this happen again. Please know that some people in the ferret community understand that this situation was out of your control and you have learned that you need to deal with volunteers in a different way. More screening / offer more information about how to handle / care for ferrets. Your Friend Maria And of course: Tillie, Shellie, Ricky, Lucy, Fergie and P.J. [Posted in FML 6579]