Beth Kerr <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>I was wondering if there is a list/file/database somewhere that includes
>all known complaints by ferretowners to PetCos?
The petno list [log in to unmask] is creating a database of
complaints. Please join that list for discussions about petco.
Danielle says tantilizingly:
>wont take in anything other than perfectly healthy animals and instead
>refers or relies on the other shelter to do it, knowing that the other
>shelter wont turn away a ferret, regardless of condition.
This is a totally false accusation. When you start libeling a business,
that's when our volunteer attorney will get involved. There is not
even the slightest truth to Danielles ongoing statements like this. We
currently have Sally and Ghost, both have had adrenal surgeries, Sally
has also had part of her tail amputated and surgery for insulonoma.
Three surgeries for one little ferret and now Sally needs her right
adrenal removed, she's currently on luperon until we can schedule the
surgery. Foxy has had adrenal surgery and is currently on monthly
luperon. On Sunday we took in a ferret with a tumor on his right
shoulder, surgery's scheduled for next week. I'm not going to go on and
on and on for Danielle or anyone's sake. Anyone (except Danielle) can
come to our shelter and meet our ferrets, the healthy ones and the
not-so-healthy-ones. We are open 7 days a week. We have NEVER NEVER
NEVER turned away any ferrets. We don't have to, because we can always
find a place for a ferret.
However, if you want to accuse us of turning away animals, we do that
DAILY. We take rabbits only from other shelters as they sit on death
row. And even then there are literally hundreds of rabbits euthanized
each year. Same with rats, gerbils and mice. They die at other shelters
while we have to say no. All no-kill shelters are limited by our space
and that includes ferret shelters. There's no glory in being a no-kill
shelter. I can't kill, but someone has to do it. (Anyone on this list
had "just one litter" so the kids would know about the birds and the
bees"?) Luckily we have always been able to accept all ferrets,
chinchillas and hedgehogs and recently we have begun accepting all guinea
pigs. NOT because we have unlimited space, but because there are other
rescuers in the area who also shoulder the responsibility of fostering
these animals.
One thing for EVERY ONE of the 3,000 people on this list to consider, is
that all shelters need foster homes. By becoming a foster parent to a
ferret you can help assure that ferrets will not become as much of a
burden on shelters as rabbits are, and end up having to be euthanized
because of lack of space. We currently have 4 ferrets in foster homes
and could certainly use a foster home for Ghost and Sally. Tiki, a
little bitter just went to a foster home for a couple of weeks of one on
one attention. We recently had a phone message from someone who wanted
to foster, but they either left the wrong number or we wrote it down
wrong. If you contacted us and we didn't respond, PLEASE call again, we
need qualified foster homes.
We have a great working relationship with the Washington Ferret Rescue.
We have taken in their ferrets when they are overflowing and they take in
our ferrets when we are overflowing. We also sell used cages for WFR,
because we are lucky enough to have a public place of business. This
helps their shelter and the ferret who found a better cage than he had.
(Did I mention we're open 7 days a week and frequently have a lot of good
used cages for sale ?) One of the Oregon ferret shelters, sorry forget
which one has taken ferrets from WFR and I recently accepted a
surrendered ferret, adopted from Oregon, instead of having the person go
all the way to Portland for the surrender. They would do the same for
us. The Spokane shelter has "exchanged" ferrets with WFR and with our
shelter. All of our shelters work very nicely together FOR THE FERRETS.
Danielle continues:
>To me, this looks as though someone is simply getting free animals with
>low overhead (no vet bills), and turning around to sell them at retail
>prices ($100 or more).
You are more than welcome to pay our vet bills and then see if you think
there are none. Our vet bills are between $1,000 - $1,500 per month and
we use four different clinics because of the number of ferrets and other
critters we need vet care for. Ferrets bills make up the majority of
that expense, with rabbit spay/neuters coming in a distant second. We
currently have 46 ferrets at the shelter and 22 rabbits. Of those we've
had to have 26 ferrets teeth cleaned, that's $60/each. (When WFR has
time they will sometimes do this for us because of Liane's medical
skills.) Distemper vaccines, microchips, various scanning tests, constant
blood glucose tests, mass cell tumor removals. Buncha other stuff
(maggot removal, broken leg, and now that there's an idiot store in the
area selling "breeding pairs of ferrets" there's going to be ongoing
spay/neuter costs as well. Did I mention we also feed them *every* day,
change their litter boxes *every* day, wash their hammocks and bedding
once a week? Ummmmm, those things cost money. Ferretone every two
weeks when their nails are clipped. Ear cleaner every two weeks. Yup,
more money going out. We must be making a fortune! Maybe I'm parking
my Porche around the corner and driving the
1985-on--it's-last-legs-donated-vehicle just to fool everyone.
If I wanted to have more money go towards the rabbits, I would STOP
rescuing ferrets altogether. Our books clearly show that would be the
case.
Danielle then says:
>All the SHELTERS I know of, take in ferrets REGARDLESS of condition...
>bless them for this.
Thank you.
Danielle then threatens:
>This matter is best left to the IRS for investigation. I hope your books
>are in order.
Of course are books are in order. As you're well aware, the books of
non-profits are available to the public. Pay your own accountant, send
him over, he'll be more than welcome to go over our records. Then put
your money where your mouth is.
Sandi
Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House
a non-profit animal shelter
14325 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206)365-9105
Open 7 days/week or visit our on-line store at:
http://www.RabbitRodentFerret.org
[Posted in FML issue 3855]
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