Hi All: A couple weeks ago I promised to pass on the info. I got from my contact at the local vet school about the MF retired breeders program, in which retired breeders are sent to the vet schools so the students can learn to spay/neuter and descent ferrets. *MF* initiated the program on a trial basis this year, with a few university vet schools. If it goes well, they may expand in the future. The program: 3-4 year olds are donated (no charge) a couple times a year in lots of 10-20 so vet schools. It's the school's responsibility to find homes for them afterwards, & they can charge fees to help cover medical costs (NCSU was charging $35 each). MF updates all their shots before they ship them, and sends food along with the ferrets. They ask the school to use MF products, & dispense samples to adopters as well. Beginning in Spring '98 (next time they get ferrets), NCSU will release all their retired breeders + food samples to Rogues' Gallery so we can find homes for them. My contact cautioned that it would be difficult for an "outside agency" (i.e. shelter or club) to set up something like this because of "university politics", but suggested that you identify the vet on staff who is responsible for exotic animal medicine programs & have him/her contact MF directly at their main number. BTW: Everyone has their own opinion about MF & their products, but I think this is a very positive step they've taken, & think we should encourage them! Other Stuff: Shari Gunter posted a note about TriFL doing the Oberlin Rd. festival in Raleigh this weekend (May 3). Please note: there's also a larger festival in Morrisville, NC (near Research Triangle Park) this Sat. & there are currently only 2 - maybe 3 - people who can help out. We REALLY need your help! If you can't man/woman the booth, we still need you to bake cookies, bring drinks, provide ice, cups, etc. Please e-mail me to volunteer! Thanks! Karen [Posted in FML issue 1918]