Good Morning, Its been a long, long time since anyone has heard from me. Financial disaster and deep, deep depression took over my life all of last year after the loss of my husband in the fall of 2012. Almost lost everything. Many kind and wonderful people extended themselves to me but I just couldn't face anything at that time. Unanswered letters and emails.... I just "quit" on everyone and myself. I am so sorry. I was in a deep dark place and wanted to be alone. But, I wasn't alone. What kept me from literally throwing my life away was my ferrets and my shelter. I had to get up each and every day to care for them. If not me, who? I had to go to work every day to earn the money to keep things going and keep a roof over our heads and food in their bowls. I didn't have to smile and be happy, though. I've cried so much I'm all cried out! But, responsibility for other souls kept me from quitting on them and myself. It's been a lifetime ago since my Precious crossed the Bridge -- next month, 2002. The next day I said I wanted to open a ferret shelter in her honour. I did and it's still operational today. I can't really count how many ferrets I've taken in or rescued. Doesn't really matter, though. I can remember them all. I can remember their names. I can remember each and every ferret and their circumstances and, if they never left me, where they now rest in my memorial garden. I verily well know the pain of loss and the absolute joy of success! Oh, the stories we shelter moms and dads could tell! Have a few myself... My friends and coworkers thought I was crazy then, and still do, especially now with all that I have endured. My goodness I have made mistakes, thankfully none that resulted in death or injury to a ferret. I admit to one huge error in judgment that could have resulted in my being charged with a crime....all for the love of ferrets. Thankfully, people that had authority knew I had a "good heart" but just went about it in the wrong way. In the end, the ferrets were rescued and the breeder was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, jailed, fined, and prohibited from owing or harboring any animals for ten years. But if the situation arose again, I would soo do it differently! I have learned through trial and error...mostly error. Always put the fuzzies ahead of my own self. Still do. I just hope that when it is my time to leave this earthly home, I will have made a difference in the lives of those who knew me; and most importantly, did I leave this world a better place for ferrets and cats. This much I am certain, I opened this shelter knowing that it was to be operated with the best intentions, and with 150% effort and commitment - or not at all! Eyes wide open...heart already was. That meant the best I could provide...food, cages, bedding, equipment, and vet care. The best ferret-wise vet I could afford. Luckily I found the best ferret-wise veterinarian in my area and he was always kind to my furr kids and gentle with the bills. For years, my income provided the sole funding for the shelter...that included vet bills, sometimes those bills could be quite huge. Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I ever entertain the notion that top-notch veterinary care for the ferrets was not a necessary and reasonable expense. Good lord! If the facts given are accurate, I would seriously question this lady's knowledge and commitment to opening and operating a ferret shelter. The post did mention she actually talked to this woman and did not get this information second-hand. I believe the post to be credible. I have had countless people adopting ferrets from me suggest that someday they would love to open a shelter. None ever have to my knowledge -- especially after asking countless questions and getting a complete picture of what a shelter commitment is and the cost of running one properly. That means vet care and the cost that results from proper vet care for the ferrets. Any veterinarian that believes their services (including vaccinations) is a waste of money is not a veterinarian that I would consider, ever...and I would question that veterinarian's professionalism and credibility. So, what kind of shelter would be in operation here?! While not wanting to discourage anyone from this noble work, you have to know what you are getting into and seeing the full picture...that includes the cost! I had less than a year's experience with ferrets but had over a decade in rescue and sheltering before August of 2002. I knew the cost and commitment of rescue and sheltering before I opened my own in-home shelter. And I was certainly amenable to advice and help from experienced and well-seasoned in the field -- and still am. While not knowing this person nor having a conversation with her and from the information at hand, anyone that thinks they know it all and is not receptive to advice and help from others who have been down that long road before is a "twit." Sounds like ignorance and arrogance to me. Perhaps a money making endeavor? I wish you well with that. I have invested way more money in Raisins than I ever have received. Precious was my first ferret and a rescued ferret at that. She never really recovered from her abandonment but for six months, she lived a lifetime with me, and she changed my life forever. Rescue and shelter moms and dads are weird people -- AND I CAN SAY THAT BECAUSE I AM ONE! We give up so much of our lives for the cause. Not everyone is wired that way. Not everyone has the every damn day commitment that it requires! ...and, for me, the shelter and the ferrets in shelter, saved my life! I consider their debt to me paid in full and with credit for the future. Maren Qualls Founder/President Raisins From Heaven Ferret Rescue & Sanctuary Hernando, MS [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML 8156]