There is a group in the Washington DC area called PETS DC. they deal with AIDS patients and help plan to supplement and care for pets after their human friends are too ill or no longer with them. I volunteer as the ferret person, though, since DC is a FFZ, I have not received any calls. Anyway - your AIDS support system/doctor should know of a group like this in the NYC area, or call the North Shore Animal League, or I can send you a listing of NY ferret shelters/clubs if you would prefer to deal with ferret people directly. The advantage of an AIDS association is that they may be able to help you keep your ferret longer and help with some pet related expenses. Pam Grant [Posted in FML issue 1407]