Hi, this is Fran Wiles of Fran's Ferret Rescue & Adoption in PA. Some of you probably know me, some don't, or maybe just have heard of my name. I moved to PA from MD in July of 1995. I have been owned by ferrets since 1988, & have had a rescue/shelter operation since 1992. I have just been observing the FML for a couple days to see if I knew anybody & was surprised to see lots of familiar names. I'm really new to "the net", so I'm stumbling around trying to find my way. I am the shelter sub-committee chairperson for the American Ferret Assn. based out of Frederick, MD, & am also the VP for our local ferret club, the Central MD Ferret Fanciers. I maintain the shelter list for AFA's Web Site, as well as for AFR (bi-monthly newsletter of AFA). I currently have about a half dozen fuzzies for adoption. In all, numbers here at the shelter (including my own, senior citizens, health/personality problem ferrets, & adoptables) stays around 30 with the average being around 40. Just think, when I cut ferrets nails, I don't have just 20 nails to cut, I have 40 times 20 (just thought I'd throw that in to get a chuckle out of somebody). I don't live in a metropolitan area, & often I take in more ferrets than there are demands for new homes. But the fuzzies all have a "home" as long as I have the strength & endurance to provide. I have set up my shelter in the entire basement of my home, leaving nothing to the ferret lover's imagination. We have four play areas (complete with tunnels, bags, toys, etc.), soon to be five as we are building another. The enclosures are 8'l x 6'w x 2'h with linoleum flooring & all ferret essentials. Each group or individual is given free time in an enclosure daily. The last news reporter that came over from the local newspaper described my basement as "a ferret's disneyland". We just care alot & only want the best for the little ones. I'm a fussbucket when it comes to adopting out my "kids". I always go with my gut feeling - better safe than sorry when it comes to the adoption process. Each adoptee & adopter are unique, & placements are made only in the best interest of both parties. Well, just thought I'd jump in & let you know I'm here. If I can help, either post me here or e-mail me direct. As with the other shelter operators that are already here, I can usually guide folks in the right direction when they need help. Looking forward to hearing from everyone. [Posted in FML issue 1588]