Greetings fellow ferret lovers, I've been lurking the FML reading & absorbing the healthy banter on this topic but one thing I see being overlooked is the original source of the info this woman received. If I recall correctly she was told by her Veterinarian that "...ferrets don't need to be seen by a vet, except for an emergency, and they don't need vaccinations." While her obstinate refusal to listen to an experienced shelter Op is extremely frustrating, she is acting from the advice of a professional she has put her faith & trust in. How many new ferret owners are told by pet store employees that the little 8 week old ferret they just bought has been given all it's shots? And they believe them because surly they would not be giving out inaccurate information, right? Was posting her name & location on the FML an etiquette faux pas? I don't see it as that since this is a fairly private, closed group and given that the 'newbie' won't listen to the voice of experience I seriously doubt she is a member. As a group of ferret lovers here we have the best intentions for our beloved mustelids & seriously get our backs up when we feel there is a threat. This woman could potentially become one. The spread of inaccurate information about ferrets has been an ongoing battle for years. We certainly don't need it to be perpetuated by someone posing themselves to be an 'expert'. Additionally the other thing that could be spread besides inaccurate info in a situation as this is the contagious diseases the ferret is prone to. I think that we all can agree that more quality ferret shelters are needed. Ideally this woman should be mentored. That being said could we, as a whole, work on some sort of written ferret sheltering guidelines that can be shared with someone wanting to get onto this crazy ride as well as each other? It's time to embrace not chase away those willing to help. Since the initial inaccurate information she was given came from her Veterinarian might that person be the first point of correction to consider? Respectfully, Debbie Saunders Director, Big Lick Ferret Shelter & Hospice Roanoke, VA "I'm not suffering from Alzheimer's, I have ferrets..." D. Saunders http://www.biglickferretshelter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/blfsh/ http://www.starcityferrets.mysite.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/starcityferretclub/ http://weaselwares.weebly.com/index.html https://www.facebook.com/pages/Weasel-Wares/154576534601624 "If you can't afford the Vet, you can't afford the pet." [Posted in FML 8159]