With regard to Bob, whom I have known for several years, although he is frequently irreverant I have never known him to be intentionally harsh or rude. I have always taken him as he comes and feel much the better for that. I figure "Bob benefits" are worth the effort it sometimes takes to figure out which twist or turn his brain has taken. Now, about shelter finances, I am tempted to be both harsh and rude. Having run a ferret rescue and shelter for more than 18 years I can tell you that I contributed a significant amount of money every year, often thousands of dollars. Anyone who wants to try making money at this sort of enterprise will certainly neglect and abuse ferrets. We spent money on shelter maintenance and on public education but veterinary expenses consumed most of our budget. Please also note that we never "sold" ferrets. We charged an adoption fee that was intended to remind adopters that they were making a serious investment. Adoption fees never, ever, covered our costs and even in a good year made up no more than half of our expenses. Because we were a 501c3 I must plead guilty to taking advantage of a tax break on my contributions. But, Honey, if you believe that this represented some kind of profit I invite you to make a sizable contribution to your local ferret shelter. May your "Profit" be equal to mine! [Posted in FML 6890]