Our very own Beth, on the FML, runs Critter Camp. The only exotic pet rescue of its kind in the nation ... they think possibly the world. She takes care of hundreds of animal rescues with special needs with only the help of a few volunteers and her daughter. We met as ferret people in the ferret community online (as most of us ferret people find each other across the world one way or another). I was so impressed with her and her facility that I then wrote an article about her for Ferrets Magazine. Sanctuaries for ferrets (and some other pets) are highly controversial as you know. Many people believe animals should always be adopted out to a home rather than live in a facility for life. They have a good point, and most of the time they are right. In addition, many places that say that they are an sanctuary, aren't "good" enough technically to house an animal forever and live its life out naturally and happily. However, I believe sanctuaries do have a place! There are two sanctuaries that I can strongly vouch for and go to the mat for in the ferret world. Zoo's Ferret Sanctuary and Beth's Critter Camp (which does all exotics, not just ferrets). They, along with others, argue that the animals they keep have been bounced around too much and they need a forever, stable, loving place with skilled caretakers and enriching environments. Hard to argue that. And they are also right in many cases. You can read all about Beth in my article here! <http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/ferrets-magazine/ferret-superstars/critter-camp.aspx> Now we come to the point of my post. Beth and I came to find we shared something else in common over the years besides the love of ferrets and other animals: Autistic sons that were nearly the same age. Her son, Alex is autistic due to Landau-Kleffner syndrome. He helps out in the sanctuary occasionally, but ... you know how that goes lol. Alex is about to graduate this year I believe? I had the honor of meeting both of them in person last year (as well as tour the sanctuary). He has a super sweet personality and accepts help. Lately, it's been a nice reprieve to talk to Beth about him as he enters adulthood so successfully so far ... something I'm gravely missing with Sean due to the fact that his personality is very, very different (antagonistic and angry). Alex is a real inspiration and both he and his mother lift my spirits: Here is a newspaper article about Alex and what he recently accomplished! Very, very cute: http://www.journalstandard.com/features/x1547140420/Living-a-dream Wolfy [Posted in FML 6838]