Re: ferret with broken back. I am trying to find my misplaced copy of Dayna's address so that I can pass it on. In case I am not too successful could someone here, please get it to Alicia and Trish ([log in to unmask], and [log in to unmask]) since Dayna was willing to send us wheelchair plans and sources for casters when Meltdown threw her clot. Fortunately, Meltie did not need it, but it sounds like this little one might. Your physician's bills would be as high as your vet's if each office had to also have x-ray machines, EKGs, incubators, oxygen chambers, loads of techs and nurses, patient quarters, dining, IVs, and all that other stuff for which your physician sends you to specialists, or to the hospital. Around here land and other costs are extremely high so that also influences the bills. What choices do the vets have? Would you rather that they all live only where land is cheap and not have the equipment and staff your little one needs? Our's were especially kind to us last year when our costs were decently up there in the four figures, and we recognize and greatly appreciate that. They also have helped animals which are strays and have helped wildlife. For this they have a special fund, but to a large extent the special fund is from their own pockets. If your little one got out and was found injured wouldn't you rather have it found and turned in to a vet's hospital such as the one we patronize? Yes, it costs, but we get INCREDIBLE quality service and the help of people who care more than I can ever express. We don't owe them money right now, but we sure do owe them gratitude. Breeders vs. stores: Tich and Mortis have it down pat. Some breeders are horrid, some are wonderful, most are somewhere in the middle. Some pet stores are horrid, some are wonderful, most are in the middle. All that differs is the shape of how the graph distributes and possibly the start and end points. Why not just patronize the best of both, correct the worst, and encourage the middle to try a bit harder? Guess what? Shelters vary, too (though we STRONGLY respect those with the gumption to run shelters and we DO give to shelters). Anyone who has not gotten Mary Shefferman's _An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet Ferret_ (Howell Book House) is missing out on a real treat. BTW, we hope that Pam and Dick both soon find new publishers (There has been a spate of publisher bankruptcies recently.) since we want their books! Re: ferret-proofing stoves: PLEASE do NOT put any flammable things into the stove, the insulation compartment, or next to a stove. The family (including furries) which you save will be your own! Meltie is have a VERY good day today! Sukie [Posted in FML issue 1836]