I had made up my mind to stay out of this discussion; that is untill last night. As I read the story of Farrah's last six weeks of life with Troy Lynn, I could feel the pain that she was sharing with me, and countless others like us. Those who do shelter. Dayna's account of an abused and terrified biter turning into a kissy love machine is a recount of my Arty. The surrenders shelters take in, some with broken legs (now pinned), broken ribs that punctured intestines (bowel resections and jel casts), Starved and dehydrated from ECE, PBD, neglect, etc. (medications, PO fluids, hyperalimentation, multiple syringe feedings of duck soup), adreanals (medications, surgeries) are all common to every shelter. The best medicine of all is love, and every ferret gets a double dose every possiable chance that presents itself! Carla poses the questions all shelter operators must ask themselves every time a prospective adopter appears at their door. We don't even interview untill we send an information packet for the family to read first. Then we ask questions about how they will care for and maintain this pet. We let them ask most of the questions. Knowing ones' own limitations is a real trip into reality. Where is far enough, and how far is to far? I would have done this; I wouldn't have done that; I would do it this way if it were me. Monday morning Quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, a Pro Quarterback is worth a Million Dollars. If You heven't played the game; don't try to call the plays! One week ago last Saturday, at 11:15 PM, we had an eight week old kit delivered to our door. Purchased three day before at a local pet store. The kit had not eaten and had refused fluids from a spoon or water bottle during this period. We took this starved, severly dehydrated, rapidly gasping, heart rate 300+, with black runny feces little life into our hearts. We did what we could (duck soup and fluids) and when Candi kissed her little head at 3:25 AM Sunday morning I knew that she had gone to rejoin her creator. I kissed Candi, hugger and consoled her and reassured her that she had done all humanly possiable, given the circumstances. She had died in warm, loving hands; not alone in a cold bare cage. As I wrapped the tiny body in a soft pink T-shirt, put her into a shoe box and placed her in the bottom of the refrigerator for delivery to our vet for necropsy on Monday, I silently cursed the breeder for shipping her, the pet store for selling her, and the owner for not seeking help earlier. Refuse to accept her? Sorry, doesn't happen here! Did we think we could save her? We never delude ourselves to that point! Then Why? If I have to explain that to you; you'ld probably never understand it anyway! To Troy Lynn, Carla, Dayna, Candi and all the other shelter operators who give so much of themselves (time, money, labor, heartache) in an effort to make a positive difference in this world; You are to be commended, not condemned for what you do. Let your heart and conscience continue to motivate your acts of kindness and concern for these less fortunate little ones. Hugs to all! It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark! Rick White, Dir.,SAFE [Posted in FML issue 2522]