Chuckee-Chase-her here and it's been such a great week at the Ferret Friends of Indian River County Shelter I just thought I'd share it with all the FML'ers. It started on Wednesday 20 December 1994. The shelter mommy got a call from Westside Animal Hospital. The first Christmas gift had arrived for us. A lady by the name of Gina Hart had sent a Christmas present for us, she gave us the Christmas present in the name of DR. BRUCE WILLIAMS. What a great present for Dr. Williams and for us cause it will help to pay for our medical bills. Then this lady named Troy Lynn Eckert made a donation in our name for a piediatric AIDS unit. We also began to receive beautiful Christmas cards from all over the United States. Thus far we have Christmas cards from Ferret Friends in 48 states - Shelter mom and dad have taped them all over the wall. On Thursday the mommy arrived home from work and there in the garage was a beautiful double deck ferret cage with a note that read "thought you might need this". Mommy doesn't know where it came from and we don't either but whoever sent it - Thank You. Firday came and mommy was so excited she came runing into our room and tripped over the chair and fell on her be-hind. A card had come in from Judith Gallipeau and inside was a check - just for us. We all danced for glee and celebrated with SAFRAISIN oil all around (mommy had apple cider). Mommy also had a check for us from our Uncle James, Aunt Jody, and new cousin Tyler. Then the UPS truck came and we got the neatest ferret stamps from Ann and Howard Davis (mom's been decorating christmas present paper with the stamps). And then another donation for our medical bill came from Sugar Puss Adamson (she's a dog that the mommy pet sits). Yet another arrived which said "this gift is given in the name of Mr. Bill Gruber" from an "ANON" poster in an "FFZ". Mommy was out of her mind - she was smiling and these water things were coming from her eyes. Then the phone calles started to come lots and lots of them from all over, the mom even got a call from England; "we are a little late but the ferrets gifts are on there way", so next week is going to be FERRUBULOUS. Today it's Christmas Eve and the Christmas Table is beautiful. We have a cloth that is Royal Blue with Stars and Zodiac signs etched in gold on it. All the presents are on the table. We saved up our allowance and got the MAXDOG and RAGSDOG presents which we drug up on the table (had to put our teeth markes into the wrapping paper so Max and Rags would know who gave them their presents). We had enough allowance money left over to buy the shelter dad new socks and underwear (to replace the ones we stole and/or destroyed). There are wrapped present on the table for us which shelter dad had said "you can't open them till Christmas" (drat). Well I've got to go now it's time for the morning run and dance session. Mommy's got all these neat-ooh songs from the FML and other places she's going to sing to us this morning (mommy can't sing worth a dook - we overlook that) . Tomorrow is Christmas - time to open presents, eat lots of goodies and give extra special kissy face (even to the MAXDOG and RAGSDOG). So to you and Yours - Love each other each day of the year - make each day special, make everyday FERRETMAS. Signed Chuckee-Chase Her , head Shelter Ferret Baby Lisa ("Chuck you forgot to tell them my cancer is in remission!) Sweet Sam ("can we open our presents yet?" L.K. (Let's go dance") Randy Skins (" I love them Christmas Carol things", even if the mom can't sing") Tigger ("Who Stole my coverlet") Taz ("quiet Tigger - I didn't steal it, you just rolled out of the Sack and I took advantage") Jerry Jeremiah (" O.K., I'm asking and the whole ferret world is waiting for the answer, Sienna Sea (ex-Monster) WILL YOU MARRY ME?") Sienna Sea (ex-monster) ("Well what a fine proposal!" "I'll give you my answer tomorrow",) From the Shelter Mom & Dad: May this joyous season bring to you and yours all you wish for for yourselves and your families. The Universe bless you all [Moderator's note: Thank you for the wonderful news. Whomever gave all the anonymous gifts (and that whomever may be plural) - how does the song go? "It's been said many ways, many times before..." ...You guys are great! Merry Christmas. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 1423]