From: Wed, Feb 10th. To: Sunshine The easiest way for me to help you with your question is to start by saying that; Shadra + 16 ferts had a great post and sounds similar to my story and Jennifer Hudson had an EXCELLENT POST and is much like my story:) I have seven wild fur-kids. I did not plan a "number" it just happened. I bought my first as a kit from a pet store, my second came one month later; also from the pet store as a kit. My Cinnamon needed a friend to snuggle with. And Coors was the only fert left in the aquarium and just had a sweet soft sole:) {this was April/May 1996} I am a volunteer for my local ferret shelter and went on my first rescue with the director. This ferret was found outside by a boy in his apartment community which knew it was a ferret and couldn't survive outside. Klondike went back to the shelter, was seen by the vet and all the while laying very deep in my heart. I phoned the director and arranged a play date. Well, obviously Cinnamon and Coors welcomed Klondike into their home immediately:) {this was 7/97} {Klondike being 1-ish} Then in Dec 1997 our shelter organized a very large rescue from out of our area. I helped with the intake and became a foster mommy. I knew immediately that two were not leaving. (hehehe) And obviously my husband knew one of the remaining two wasn't leaving. (big softie) Unti is was all talked out the four stayed:) Lightning, Ana, Panda and Fuzzy {being 6mos to 1 1/2-ish} Ana passed away with cancer in 12/98 and I didn't have any plans of adding. However, Josie was found outside in a nearby neighborhood and a sweet woman saved her. She phoned our shelter and off we went. (yes, we --this was my husband's first rescue:) After the quarantine period and a vet visit, Josie was intoduced to the crew. Panda fell in love with her as if she was his "sole-mate". I'm lucky....my kids are so kind and accepting. Not to mension ---this being my husband first rescue. <evil laugh> {Josie being 2-ish} We also have two dogs to complete our fur-children family. I would definately recommend a special "vet fund" for medical care. We personally put $25.00 each week away. We don't miss that $25.00 and it definately helps with yearly visits and/or emergencies. Each ferret has his/her own personality and I would not live my life without being a ferret mommy!! To me my life is filled with unconditional love and laughter. Hope this helps you understand. Good luck with yours:) Plashette and my wild seven [Posted in FML issue 2585]