Todd replied with his interpretation of ferret value and ended up with the following: >To say that a fuzzie must have a price tag attached to its tail (or other >body part) in order for it to be valued and cared for is irresponsible and >somewhat thoughtless. The value a person places on something is determined >by the person, not the price (though many people *do* place a value on >something based on it's price...because those people have no ability to >determine that value of anything in any other manner) of the item. So, >let's just say that a nominal fee should be charged to keep the lab >donators away from the door and leave the rest alone. I do believ Todd the previous poster was elaborating on setting a value -- and precidence for the ferret- You see in the real world - any animal must have a value -- unfortunately for most pet owners that just isn't so-- unless you can prove an animal's worth-- you will not get compensated for that pet ( as if anything could ever compensate for loss) in the event of death from neglect, abuse, etc. Unfortunately in this world a pet is a material object with little if any worth-- just ask anyone who has fought for animals in a court of law. The price doesn't necessarily mean anything where sentiment is concerned. BUT is is essential in the case of fighting for animal protection, or loss compensation to have a way of proving the animal's worth. A receipt will do that. This is only my interpretation of a ferrets value discussion-- which relates to the extent of my experiences trying to protect the abused and neglected animals. I am always open to hearing anothers interprtation. happy ferreting, alicia at Ferret Wise [Posted in FML issue 2320]