Hi everyone! I didn' t save my FML, but the person who posted about the problems with getting a ferret from animal control or the SPCA, I have been there. I have to pay to get any ferret out of Va Beach Animal Control. Granted, it is only $10.00, but I have to pay that for each ferret. Do I mind? Not really, because I could NEVER work there and do the things that they do, and it does help pay for food & medical care. On the other hand, I do not have to pay to get them out from the Va Beach SPCA or Norfolk, or even from Chesapeake Animal Control. I guess its just an individual policy and to me, the most important part is getting the animals away from there, so I gladly pay the ten bucks. I have also had problems with their knowledge of ferrets and their care, but we are working on that. One of the environmental Health inspectors has been working closely with us to set up guidelines for taking care of ferrets while at the shelter. I also have downloaded the FAQ's ( thanks Pam!) and distributed them among the shelters to help. The biggest thing I have to keep remembering is that a good relationship with these bureaus guarantees that I will continue to pick up these animals, and that's really what its all about, right? Patience is the key with the bureacrats, and I just shrug my shoulders, shell out more money and keep saying, "its for the ferrets, its for the ferrets". Its sorta my personal mantra now! Happy ferreting!! Lisa [Posted in FML issue 1787]