Three years ago, I brought Felix to a New Years party, and met a fellow who couldn't take care of his fert anymore due to his roommate's 8-year-old being an animal abuser; in California, he was worried about legal problems if the fert "counterattacked", on top of the ordinary worries in such a situation. The next day, I took Felix over to his place to meet "Mikey", and they hit it right off from the first second. We discussed money; I was somewhat broke at the time, but we set on $40 as fair - but it was *not* the prime consideration for either of us, and I've never regretted that money spent. Mikey is doing fine; Felix passed during cancer surgery six months ago but little Hairy Crumb lifted Mikey out of his depression a few weeks later. As long as the animal's welfare is the prime consideration, an exchange of cash to offset prior expenses is normal and acceptable for either private parties or shelters - IMHO. [Posted in FML issue 1803]