Dear FML Family, My heart and prayers go out to everyone struggling with fuzzy illnesses, fuzzies that have gone to the rainbow bridge, etc. I am so sorry for the many losses people are experiencing. Each time I read of someone's loss, I feel so sad and I wish I could have done something to help prevent it. I want to extend my deepest thanks to those of you who have responded either on your own or because of my offer, to help Dena and Floyd Marie by sending donations to their veterinarians. Unfortunately, only a few people have responded to Dena with donations for her treatment. I have yet to hear about the progress of donations to Floyd Marie's vet. There are so many needs and so many worthy causes out there, just among ferrets, not to mention the world. I would like to help everyone, but I know it is impossible. However, I may be able to help those in the most dire need by offering an incentive to others to donate. I responded to these two situations because they were emergencies and the people involved could in no way come up with the necessary funds in time to save these little fuzzies. There are extraordinary circumstances involved in both cases. I am "sweetening" my offer to encourage more people to give. I will make and send ferret hammocks, blankies, sleep sacks, tubes, etc. from the huge fabric stash I stockpiled for my personal use and small business that is no longer in operation, to everyone who requests one or more of these products from me, in exchange for donations of $5.00 and up to Dena's fund and Floyd Marie's fund. This is my GIFT, given to motivate people to give. I don't personally know, nor have I met any of the people or ferrets involved. I previously said I would request payment for postage. I don't know how I can possibly pay for postage if I don't. I am not an established business and have no extra money sitting around. But I will leave it up to people I send products to (for their donations) to reimburse me for postage with a personal check or money order, at their discretion. In answer to questions I've gotten: I am not a non-profit organization. This is not tax deductible. I am just an individual with a big, mushy, bleeding heart. Sounds gross, huh! <grin> I am doing this because I don't have much money to send. I do intend to send some money, one way or another, however, because so few people have responded. I have decided I will do it even though it means I will have to eat rice for a month or more. I've also decided that even though I can't do much of anything about Christmas, in the material sense this year, that this is a really great way to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas. I think these situations are worth it. I expect that in the future, I may find some of your situations "worth it" too. So, if you can even spare fifty cents or a dollar, please don't think it's not enough. Every penny helps. If I have to make stuff for every dollar people send in, I may. I hope people will be moved in their hearts to do this simply as a gesture of kindness, though, not just to "get" something. In the meantime, I am job hunting so I can support my "charity" habit. LOL! Thanks for listening folks! Dooks and Fuzzy Snuggles, Alecia P.S. Please e-mail Elizabeth Ward directly, for information on donating directly to Floyd Marie's vet. Her e-mail is [log in to unmask] , or she can be reached at (919) 544-6414. Please e-mail Carrie (Dena's mom), for information on donating directly to Dena's vet. Her e-mail is [log in to unmask] . When the Veterinarians receive your donations, they will contact me, either directly or through Carrie and Elizabeth, to let me know who donated, amounts, etc. I invite all donors to contact me directly to confirm that information, and to order the product(s) they want as their gift. (I will also sell additional items to anyone who is interested). I will need names, mailing addresses (no PO Boxes), phone numbers (just in case of problems) and e-mail addresses. I will work individually with people via e-mail or by phone to create a high-quality, sturdy product(s)they and their fuzzies will enjoy. Please respond today! Thanks! Alecia, for Dena and Floyd Marie [Posted in FML issue 2882]