Well said. As a small "unofficial" shelter/hospice sanctuary, everything we do for our 18+ residents comes out-of-pocket. (Unfortunately, we have had to suspend any incoming residents temporarily, but hope to continue on with what we started next year.) I give kudos to those larger shelters with a lot more residents. Just the number we have keeps a person busy 24/7. I haven't had a vacation in over 5 years. There's always a sick or elderly one that needs constant attention and TLC. And our vet(s) require payment at time of service, so we do not have the luxury of paying at a later date; and it seems we are at the vet at least once every couple of weeks. I shudder when I think of what we've spent in the last 6 months alone! No matter what, the furkids have their kibble and soup, litter and medicine. The bedding may be a little threadbare and there's not enough hammies to go around, but everything is clean and they get soft blankies to snuggle in. I can imagine the demand, both physically and financially on a person with twice as many ferrets, and the need for that "little extra something" from someone with a big enough heart to share. The Giving Tree makes that happen. Dooks, Musky Dusty [Posted in FML 7216]