Lisette wrote, >Not that long ago, someone wanted money for a sick ferret. The person was >in desperate financial straights. About 2 weeks later-guess what? This >person brought home another ferret!! Who wants to feel stupid for being >kind? Not me. But I would have if I had given that person money. No, Lisette, you would not have been stupid. For all the people that contacted me privately, I asked for their address so I may refund the money when I was able. As for my situtation, how dare you assume that I have not done everything that I can. My husband is severly ill and hospitalized, I have had to apply for food stamps to feed us, have had to apply for disablity to keep a roof above our heads, I work 60 hours a week. I take a bus to work to save money on gas and parking. We have sold one of our cars but that money went to my husbands care. I have started growing my hair so I can cut it myself instead of paying for it. I have a serious skin disease, I entered into a medical study so I could get free medication and save money. I'm so thankful that I have a position that I can work all the extra hours and get over time, but realistically, it doesn't cover everything. I have done all I can, sold all I can. I NEVER asked anyone to send me money. It was sent to my vet, No money from the WONDERFUL FML PEOPLE who contacted me touched my hands, it all has gone to my ferrets. And as to why I was so stupid to bring home another ferret, this animal was going to be euthanized because she had a tumor on the tip of her tail. Not a life treatening illness for a ferret. Her name is Angel and I know why, she is an Angel. She has been there for me when I'm crying over my husband, she is new to my home but has given me so much joy. I'm not arguing that it was not the time to take in another animal but I don't regret it. I would like to formally thank everyone who did "loan" or "donate" me (through my vet). Your kindness made me cry, your thoughts and prayers for us have touched my heart. If anyone else is interested in donating or loaning (which I will pay back), please contact me privatly at [log in to unmask] Lisette, for you I have a special prayer, may you learn to trust people again. I'm sorry your experience with people asking for help has been regretable, I can tell you, it took a lot for me to swallow my pride and ask for help, and I'm so happy that there are still wonderful people who exist in this world. Carrie And one last thing, I have had help from the family and friends that support myself and my husband, but as our "family" is not fond of the ferrets already, no funds go to them. The family will buy our groceries, and other items, but no cash is given. I appreicate and love each and every one of them, I have no regrets on the help they have offered and given, and because of this, I respect their wish not to spend their money on the ferrets. [Posted in FML issue 2814]