Hi All. Wanted to keep the Virtual Medicine Cabinet on all of your minds, so, aside from reminding you to send your home first aid ideas in, I wanted to address some things: -Some posts I've recevied have mentioned or suggested that the VMC could be used to avoid or substitute for Vet visits. No way. I don't want the VMC to stop folks from going to the vet at ALL. Please do not even think of not treating ferret emergencies as emergencies. The vet trip can be the difference between a sick ferret and a dead ferret. I'm hoping the VMC will be a basis for a shopping list for items to keep on hand for common, minor problems, first aid, or emergency care until we can get them to a vet, or intermediary care until they see the vet, or backup care after, etc., etc., etc. And I'm hoping people will share this info with their vets, too... -How about some info contributions? I have actually received more suggestions on what I should do with this info, and requests for the finished product, than I have tips or info. Many have said they'd like to offer info, but have nothing to contribute. EVERYONE has something to contribute. :D If you don't have any ideas offhand for good items to keep around, how about calling your vet and asking for tips, hints, info, or maybe an interview on ferret first aid, or another subject you would like to see on the VMC? Or call reputable breeders or shelters, or ferret publications in your area and ask if they have any info to pass on? Aside from increasing your knowledge base, you may get to know some awesome people, and, if you want to do some good things for ferrets, while you're at it, if you have any time to give, ask these wonderful people if you can help them with anything. - PLEASE- No more suggestions of what you think I should do, in addition to what I have volunteered to do. (It really IS all I have time for.) If you'd like to volunteer to do something other than send in info, let me know, and I'll try to hook you up with others who volunteer to do the same. I've gotten over a hundred, "You should call this person", "You should ask that person" and "You should do this" posts, so far, some complete with phone #s and emails for ME to follow up on. (Not half that many info posts...) I really want to emphasize that the ideas are appreciated, very, very much, I don't want to seem ungrateful for your thought, but the effort would be appreciated moreso. If there is something you would like to see done with the VMC, please organize it, make the calls, and tell me what you need from me. I will make every effort to help you in it, but I'm not ready to take anything else on, just yet. (Maybe after I recover from this project... :D ) If you think someone you know would like to volunteer for something, please don't tell me you're uncomfortable asking, but you think I should solicit their help. Aside from the time factor, I can't imagine me, a stranger, would be more comfortable doing this than you would. Your creativity is welcome, but if there is someone you think I should contact for help, how about if you contact them, and ask them to help? I am going to put this post together, and there are some folks out there who have said "I would like to do 'this' with that info', and I'm going to hand it over to them, and applaud their efforts. -and finally- to all those who HAVE said, "Here are my favorite first aid items" (and details, too) and, "Here is what I'd like to do to help make info for a 'Virtual Medicine Cabinet' available, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. (And my ferret's). Warm Hugs and Fuzzy Dreams Angelique (and ferret kisses, woozle) [Posted in FML issue 2183]