Have been reading the posts regarding shelters and volunteers, I have a few things I'd like to say. Please remember this is my own personal opinion and I am not referring to "everybody"- just some of us! As each and every ferret has it's own qualities that make it special, so do the people who love them. When you are involved in any kind of animal rescue-be it horse, dog, cat, parrot ot ferret, you are setting yourself up for some very rewarding experiences and some utterly heart shattering ones. It takes a very strong person to deal with the stress of animal rescue. Some get their strength from their love of the animal. Some don't have the strength, but their love of the animal helps them through as they know they do what they do for the animal. Then there are those who don't have the strength. They would love to beable to help, but something holds them back. Perhaps fear? Or perhaps they are unable to handle the stress due to their love of animals. It doesn't mean any one group loves the animals any more than another group. I have talked with several others and asked, "why don't you help?" Their answers are puzzling-even to them. "I can't-I want to, but I just can't seem to make myself!" It's not that they don't have a deep love for these animals-because they do! For years and years and years I wanted to volunteer at our local Humane Society. Even went so far as to drive out there and park in the parking lot-at least a dozen times. I was never able to get out and go in. Never! That doesn't mean that I don't love animals, I do. I have my own private zoo. I guess what I am trying to say is that those who can-do, and those who can't-sit back with awful lot of respect and admiration for those who can, and wish they could do more. So, the next time one of you shelters get an offer to help, it could very well be coming from someone who would genuinely would like to help, but in the end will not beable to. We know your frustration level is high and your rewards few and far between, and that taking time to deal with one of these kinds of people is taking you away from other much more important things! Suggest other ways to help! If they can sew-have them make hammocks, or send them yardsaling, or get them to involved in a way which will slowly bring them in. I'm not saying that everyone is like this-I'm sure you get many who are just in it for the glory. "Yeah, I do ferret rescue!" It sounds big and bad and impressive and they do very little actual work! Then you also have to deal with the socializers-those who are there for the chit-chat-and also do very little work!! But the next time for phone rings, it could very well be from that one person who needs someone like you to help them overcome their fear! Who knows, that person may end up making a major contribution to the ferret world and then we will all have one more reason to thank you! I am posting this while hiding behind anonymity as I don't want anyone to get the idea that I can be pulled in! I realized my limitations a long time ago! Happy dooks to you! [JM] [Posted in FML issue 2742]