When we get contacted about adoption, we always push education before adoption. I do not ever hesitate to say "Ferrets are not for everyone, you need to do some research to be sure they are for you." Then I point the to "Ferrets for Dummies" - many libraries have it, and even if they don't it's not that expensive. If there are kids, I recommend to the parents that they have the kids do a lot of the research and then "sell" the idea back to Mom and Dad. That way it becomes a family project, and kids see what they are getting signed up for, since, hopefully, they will be providing some of the care. I also warn potential adopters about costs and vet bills. I always feel funny about this, but I need to know that they are ready for the ready for the financial commitment. We have had too many naked, or very sick ferrets get surrendered, because "I can't afford the vet bills." I actually had one man tell me he couldn't afford the adrenal surgery, but then he asked if he could adopt the ferret back after the surgery was done! I just looked at the guy and asked him if he would like to take my car as well.. Some people seem to think there is a money spigot somewhere that pays for shelters. Another guy asked "Can you make a lot of money running a shelter?" (but I digress - let me get back to the topic..) Anyway, as rescuers and shelters, and just plain animal advocates, it is CLEARLY our job to educate people. I wish that pet stores would also do it, but I also wish that I could win the lottery... I've had a couple of people that were offended that I asked so many questions, but I simply tell them that I consider my job to be speaking for the animals. If that means asking hard questions, so be it. If they don't like it, then they are not going to adopt from us. If the people are starting to look nervous that maybe there is no good reason to adopt a ferret, I simply tell them the best reason is this. When I am having a bad day, and everything is going wrong, I just get down on the floor with the ferrets, and let them climb all over me. It is absolutely impossible to be a bad mood when a ferret is climbing up your pant leg! Larry Anderson Scales and Tails Rescue [Posted in FML 6942]