Hi All- I emailed the FML about a couple of cages we need for single ferrets. Ours were taken and then given away later when we had someone transport some ferrets out of state for us. They didn't even go with the ferrets as there were cages waiting on the other end in LA, but to the person who graciously transported them for us (they gave them away). I am writing here because the person who was responsible for the cages will not read any email I send as they felt I was rude in asking them to take responsibility for the cages they gave away and asking them to replace them with either new ones, the money to replace them or even with comparable used cages should they come into their shelter. I was willing to work it out and even apologized ahead of time if I sounded angry, but I was since I'd emailed them and called back in July and received no response at all to either. I was angry since they knew well our shelter can't afford to give all our cages away....I wish we could, but did it anyway without asking. What I want to say to this person is that I am truly sorry if you felt my email was rude, but I've had several people read it who think I was nice about it considering it's taken 5 months since the cages were to be returned to get a response. Either way, and irregardless I am sorry if you felt I was rude as I certainly did not intend to be taken that way. I wholeheartedly appreciated the time and effort you took to transport our ferrets last December to LA, so another friend could take them out of state to a shelter waiting in New Mexico. I realize you asked for nothing in return and was very grateful. That said, I feel I have a valid point in stating that we did have an agreement that you would return the cages when you came to rodeo that next summer. When I contacted you early the month of rodeo both by phone and email (I have it on record for proof if you need it, since you say I did neither), I received no reply. I can only assume you'd already given the cages away at that point, but irregardless of what happened to them, you were responsible for them did not have the right to give them away as they were not yours to give. Had you called and told me or asked first, I would have said not to worry about it and if someone really needed them OK, but you did not, hence I was upset. At this time the point is mute, the cages are gone and I'm not going to ask you to replace for two reasons: Mainly because, if the cages were put to good use for the ferrets then that is what matters most to me. If another shelter or person was in need of a few cages then that's were they should be used. I was just truly upset you didn't call and ask or tell me.....that's what really upset me. I know at some point we will need a single cage or two and won't have one to use, but I also know that at times when we need things they have a way of showing up. So, that being said.....I think that's enough. Again, for all to hear I am sorry if anything I said was perceived as rude......I truly appreciate what you did to help get some ferrets to their new homes and I know you put the cages to good use for other ferrets, and that's most important isn't it? The Ferrets we help. So, arguing over who is responsible for a few cages seems petty in the grand scheme of things, so........again, I apologize. Suni SunFerret Shelter & Rescue [Posted in FML issue 2859]