If you are an active volunteer, I sincere commend you. Regardless of some of the ignorant postings I have seen in the past on this list-serv regarding volunteers, it is you that makes the difference in the lives of these wonderful little animals. My wife and I regularly help out at our local shelter both monetarily and through volunteer labor. It takes a long time to go through all the cages to properly clean, feed, medicate, and change water bottles when there are over 80 ferrets to take care. It is a job that deserves respect when it is done properly. It is sad to realize the cruel way in which some unknowledgeable people treat their pets. Often they purchase a ferret(s) based on their cuteness in pet stores that all too often sells the pet without provided the appropriate knowledge to the buyer. I get very frustrated to see and hear about the many strays that come into the shelter malnourished and dehydrated, lucky to be alive. The active and knowledgeable volunteers often bring these animals into their own homes to give them the dedicated attention they need. It is unfortunate, but sometimes you can try your very hardest to rehabilitate an injured or malnourished ferret without luck. The innocent little animal, once bubbly and bouncing, passes away overnight or in the arms of the caring volunteer. We lost one of our fosters this morning and it hurts to realize that we tried our very hardest and were not successful. She was just as cute as ever, found stray by a stranger and in very weak condition. Unfortunately, she must have had some internal injuries that were beyond our control and apparent upon her passing. She was scheduled for her first vet visit this afternoon. Her name was Lucy and she just crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Sadly, I'd to share my poem that keeps our volunteer work going: SYMPATHY Although no words of sympathy Can ease the pain you feel We too have felt that pain And send regards that heal We know that you will cry For the rainbow bridge is crossed Into the land of eternal peace Your memories will not be lost Remember that you cared Remember you were loved For your recent departed friend Is playing, dooking, and bouncing high above. By: Brian W. Hamning Copyright 1998 **** Shelter Ferrets need caring volunteers and any assistance you can provide is the best assistance of all. Thank You!! ****** Sincerely, Brian & Valerie Hamning ( www.ferretzone.com ) Mindy, Cinny, Newman, and Polar ( Our Kids ) [Posted in FML issue 2755]