Dear FML Family: In 2008, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh, Pa. where Dr. Robert Wagner had agreed to allow three of my ferrets to participate in the Deslorelin implant study through Peptech, Inc. Including those three initial Des implants, we have again been blessed with positive results from use of an additional ten. I'm not sure whether Dr. Wagner or myself realized the ongoing relationship that would develop from this agreement. Over the years I have worked with many to get information to them about the implants, how to purchase them and often working as a liaison with them and Dr. Wagner to get his insight to possible problems. At the same time, I faithfully relayed information to Doc sometimes as formal research information and at other times as anecdotal. Feeling a bit sentimental this past Christmas, I dropped a short e-mail to my dear friend Jackie and Doc Wagner thanking them both for their involvement in getting my kids into the program. The implants had provided such quality lives for all my ferrets receiving them. The reply that I received from Doc Wagner was: "If the ferret community wants to thank me, get them to give me money for more research!" So, began my involvement in helping even more ferrets to live healthier, longer and fuller lives with their families. Little did I know I would lose the last of the the three ferrets who took that special road trip to Pittsburgh and adopted Jackie DeCarlo as a very special Auntie, just days after this commitment. Many of you know of Sharon Beardon and her work with the IFC and SOS. Over the past year, I have gotten to know Sharon better working behind the scenes to help shelters in trouble or need of guidance from SOS. It made sense to me to drop Sharon a note and mention my new project. Talk about contacting the right person at the right time. The perfect time in fact!! The IFC was planning on supporting research for ferrets at the Arizona Symposium. I am pleased to say Sharon and I are thrilled to be working together to collect funds from appreciative folks that have been helped not only by the research of Doc Wagner, but so many of our great vets who have chosen to examine and explore the diseases and causes that shorten our ferrets' lives. This year, the IFC will be giving money to both Doctor Robert Wagner and Dr. Matti Kiupel. If you haven't decided what to do with that tax return money this year, I have a suggestion. Donate some of it to Doc Wagner and some of it to Doc Kiupel by writing a check and designating it to the vet of your choice or give some to both. The IFC will be cutting a check for a given amount to each researcher and adding your donations as specified, to each vet. Sharon will be accepting the checks or money orders at her address (see below) and sending receipts - this is a tax deductible donation. I am waiting on a pay pal addy for the IFC, if that is your choice of donation mode. I will be cross posting (you are welcome also to cross post any of this information) More information about the past work and future work of these researchers will follow. We are limited to April 30Th as the last day funds can be accepted so preparations and printings may be included in the symposium program. Sharon will be providing a page in the event program with names of donors or names of their fur kids as a thank-you for donations. Checks may be written to the (International Ferret Congress) IFC and mailed to Sharon, please designate your monies to one or both vets. Sharon Bearden, IFC 1245 Curtis Switch Rd Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 Give this some thought, mull it over, think about the lives lost because we did not have the research monies to find an answer and provide a solution. Hopefully, you will also be able to smile and be thankful for ferrets that have lived fuller lives because of melatonin implants, Lupron, Des implants, Prednisolone or Pediapred. Think about the possibilites of solutions to corona viruses, better help for lymphoma or even a cure for cancers. I will continue to post additional information the coming days. Levels for individual and business donations are available. I suspect if your vets are excited about having another tool in their "little black bag" to help their patients, they would be happy to donate. Perhaps you know a business tht might like to donate as well. More to follow. Hugs to all your babies and love to all those who have left us. Respectfully, Cathy Ryan and Sharon Beardon Feed rescued animals in two clicks http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 [Posted in FML 6975]