Hiya, all! Just finished reading the list for today (Sunday). I just want to say thanks to you all, especially BIG, because I look forward to the list everyday, even if sometimes I get sad, and sometimes I have to skim a post. This list helps me understand my ferrets better, feel close to other people who love them the way I do (non-ferret people just never understand, do they?) and let me occasionally help someone else and their kids, with advise, or even a donation when it's possible. I feel like some of you are family, even, if I may go that far. In the posts recently about housing and responsibility. I agree totally, you don't take pets into your life, and hope they fit into the plans later. I understand that sometimes life has little surprises you can never plan for, such as a transfer to a ffz, or sudden illnesses and financial crises that are devastating. But in general, most of us know if our current housing isn't going to be permanent beyond this lease. Chuck and I are currently renting my mother's house, as much to help her out, as ourselves. But now that she's decided to sell it, we realize that we have to decide what to do next. But it is absolutely not in our consideration to get rid of our pets. Someone mentioned something about the 'perfect house' they want to rent not allowing animals. There is no such thing as a 'perfect house' for us, if it doesn't allow animals. And as someone else mentioned in today's list, if your housing management changes, as long as your lease allowed for animals, they can't evict you, until your lease is up. That's why it's important to be up front about your animals in the first place, get it in writing! If it means taking extra effort to find a place, do it. Or don't take on the responsibility of owning animals in the first place. Chuck and I aren't sure if we are going to buy a house, build a house, or rent for another year, while we prepare for this, but one thing is certain. We will have our animals with us. We wouldnt' get rid of our human children, and our ferrets and cat are just as important to us. I know that there are people who think that is silly, but these are lives here, precious and a gift from God, just like human children. Ok, off my soapbox...I wanted to say that Bear's story (the big guy on wheels) really touched Chuck and I, we saw his pictures, and enjoyed the new chance this kid has to live a happy life, because Kristi and her family cared so much. I think it's something that other ferrets may benefit from as well. Thoughts and prayers to the sick and those who have lost a loved one, and happy dooks to everyone else! Sherry Dessie -Oh my word, is this kid getting fat!!!! (and sassy) Chumba (Where have all the socks gone???) Sequoia (why doesn't everyone want me to squeak in their ears?? I think it's great fun) Pepper (I know you want to give me a raisin, Mom, I can see it in your eyes) Sugar (I can war dance soooo good....dook, dook) -- http://www.geocities.com/southbeach/pier/8102/ Meet my fuzzy family! [Posted in FML issue 2580]