Hi everyone, Just writing to apologize for jumping the gun. I just read today's digest, Debbie Ricico's comment to be exact and I was quite disappointed with myself for not putting more thought into the issue of the subscriber who is considering buying a ferret but cannot afford the cost. I agree whole heartedly with Debbie. I guess I just get excited when I think there could be more animal (of any kind) with a loving home. Before I relate that type of information again I will first advise the person to consider a few things. For instance, having a pet is a FULL TIME job. I have two dogs, two cats, two birds, a hamster, a boa, a rat and a ferret and it's like having a house full of infants 24 hours a day, seven days a week! I love my babies dearly and wouldn't trade them for the world but everything has its price. My fiance' and I rarely go away because we cannot take them all with us and I do not wish to board them because I'm afraid they will think I am abandoning them (we have to pay some one to babysit at home-it can get expensive). This month I will spend in excess of $250.00 for routine preven- tative care and in the first two months that we owned the pups (Dexter and Emily) they cost us $405.00 in medical costs (Giardia). I realize that not everyone has as many pets as we do but when you consider that $325.00 of that was spent on only one dog its an eye opener! Then there was my daughters medical bills for similar treatment (Emily was treated for Giardia but since the vet was not 100% sure of the diagnosis we were not informed on the suspected parasite and the fact that it could be transmitted). Jessica got sick and by the time Dexter could see his own doctor he was lethargic, dehydrated, and etc and had to spend two days in the hospital! It was horrible but I went into this thing with my eyes wide open. If you are not willing to go the distance whether its morally, financially or emotionally then don't go there at all!! Thanks Debbie thinking ahead Regarding the anonymous response to Laurel Gilbert: Well put, I second the motion!! Outta here, Irena (Lucy's mom) [Posted in FML issue 1464]