This is my first posting to the FML and I'm hoping that I can be of help to Megan and Monster concerning their search to find a new fuzzy pal. I help out as a 'ferret volunteer' at the Toronto Humane Society, (along with my pals Julie and Mindy). We have had ten ferrets brought in to the shelter since Christmas alone. There is sometimes a waiting list for ferrets and other times, (like now) we have several little guys who will be needing homes soon. So if Toronto is accessible to you, there may well be a little pal here for you both. I'm not quite certain where you are coming from, but I would call the THS before you come along to get their hours and a run down of available ferrets. Talk to a member of the Adoption Office staff and they will take down your details and call you when they have a suitable candidate. Just a word of explanation - all "strays" have a five day waiting period, during which their owners may claim them, not that any have since Christmas, when I started there! (How can you "lose" one of these adorable creatures and not make a call to every animal organization to get them back - beats me every time). Sorry, I shouldn't comment really but.... Anyway, sometimes there are other complications and they like to keep an eye on them, i.e. if their weight is low. They will always neuter them (unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a resident vet who knows how to descent them), if they have not been "fixed' already. so you get a bargain ferret (c$65) and the joy of knowing that you have rescued a little lost and lonely critter. The THS number is (416) 392-2273. or please contact me direct or via the FML if you need any help. I'm there quite regularly, but they don't hold ferrets, it's a first come first served basis, so although there are four at the moment in their 'stray waiting period', it all changes very rapidly. Sorry to take up so much space but I'd just like to introduce me and the clan and ask for a little assistance from all you FMLers... We are; - Fenella, first ferret, nearly two, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth and I keep the clan in order. - Prudence, 18 mths, a real mummy's girl and a talented climber. We want to join SOFA, we love sofa's and our mission in life is to have our own. So how do we join?? Fen(ella) will steal the cheque book and Pru(dence) will forge the signature! - Hooter, latest addition, yes from the Humane Society! hence age unconfirmed at 1-2 yrs. (P.S. my Mum is English and she tells me that Hooter is slang for NOSE in England, 'cause I used to bite her nose, (not her..... well what more can I say!!)) - Janet, honoured to be Mum of the clan, chief feeder, pooper-scooper and great human scaffolding from which to reach new and forbidden territory. - Iain, Dad, not pooper-scooper, impatient and willing to blame us for everything which is our fault - I ask you - we had to get PERMISSION to bring Hooter home. Any advice FLO on getting around this obstacle to new recruits?! Anyway we all live in Toronto and we want to get to know other local ferrets and organise ferret socials in the park and other fun places and things. We also want to let people know that they can adopt some beautiful ferts from the Humane Society and we would like advice on how to get more specialist ferret vets in the area to help out with consultations and such, when the volunteers suspect problems and when the fuzzies need medical attention that the resident vets aren't clued up on. All ideas and suggestions welcome. Finally, we all like fruit, especially cucumber, grape and banana, but our Mum isn't certain how much we should have and if it's bad for our teeth. We eat Kaytee or Hagen ferret food, but Mum is worried that our teeth are starting to get a bit of tartar build up and we will not submit to the indignity of having our teeth brushed without a fight. We like stealing the soap but we're not partial to toothpaste! Looking forward to seeing our names in print, (Fenella says that she is already famous, she had her picture in the paper last week, admiring the flowers in the local "glasshouse" ) Fertlicitations from Janet, Fen, Pru, Hootie Hoots and Iain. PPS What does ECE stand for? [Posted in FML issue 1511]