Again, great post full of great information.  Big I hate to say it (and
I don't mean all) you and I both know that no matter what these people
say someone, somewhere will find it necessary to turn this into a matter
where someone is putting down Zoo (Cathy)  Im sorry, but that is just not
true.  People ask questions and yes, someone can take it as a personal
attack when asked a direct question about their views etc..  that will
happen.
 
As Christine stated, anyone that claims 501-3c status has opened the
doors for questions.  Because someone ask specific questions about how
things are carried out in a public matter does not mean we are personally
criticizing someone.  Their possible actions, maybe but we as tax payers
are entitled.
 
As far as the sanctuary business goes, Jackie is right on with this one.
There are different types of sanctuaries out there and yes, many claim
501-3c status.  They are permanent homes to many types of animals that
people have acquired (legally or not) and have "outgrown " them such as
lions, tigers, gators, birds of prey, and other animals that are
non-domesticated.  For all those out there (not again putting anyone down
that has them), just because you can buy a skunk or a sugar glider in a
store or whatever does not mean that the animal is domesticated therefore
they are technically wild.  A certain animal may again be tamed but not
domesticated.  Most sanctuaries get their name as such when they become a
permanent place for not even necessarily abused animals.  But animals
that have unfortunately lived out the usefulness (isn't that sad) in
circuss, peoples homes (mind you lions, monkeys,elephants,tiger, bears
etc., etc.) and now have a place to live out their lives.  A dog or cat
refuge may call it self a sanctuary but indeed it is just a name for
providing shelter.
 
This word we are referring to "Sanctuary" has a broad meaning:
A place of refuge and protection (2) : a refuge for wildlife where
predators are controlled and hunting is illegal..  True, Cathy's place
is intended as such, for refuge and protection..  but where the line
needs to be drawn is that like Jackie or Christine said, ferrets are
not wildlife ... like cats and dogs they are domesticated.  They CAN be
adopted out, even some who have had the most brutal care taking.  Those
that are sick are and can be adopted to people who understand their
illnesses and know how to deal with it.  When one takes in a domesticated
animal who needs refuge, sheltering etc etc and one does not adopt out,
if they feel that only they can take care of this domesticated animal,
that no one knows or understands their care or needs like they do, that
they are their babies (non-visitors) then have become said persons
personal pets and no longer should be considered as sanctuary animals.
Even at sanctuarys across the globe, operators do not consider their
charges their personal pets.  Many of them even rehab and release them
back into the wild as the wild animals were intended to be.  Cathy,
regardless of what you may feel or think everything everyone says or
agrees to or disagrees to looks to you as a personal attack.  I have not
seen any evidience of this in anyones post to or about you and what you
do.  If it goes against what you believe in, it's against you in your
eyesand yes even those who come to your defense.  We as concerned
individuals have a God given right to question what you do if you agree
to take in donations, tax write off etc.  Yes, it does not give us the
right to put you down and I sincerely don't feel that anyone has done
that.
 
The topic to stay on is simple and must be first and formost.  You need
to rethink the reasoning behind what you have chosen to do as far as
no adoptions are considered for there is something other than the best
interest of the ferrets making you feel this way.  Orphanages across
the Americas adopt because it is in the best interest of those in their
charge not to spend their lives without a real home, a forever home a
place and humans they can call their own no matter what has happened in
their histories.  If you stay as a non-adoptable shelter, hospice, refuge
or what you are calling it a sanctuary those in your charge are now
personal pets no matter what you believe.  No one is saying you don't
provide proper care, housing, play, etc., but in reality they are saying
they should not foot the bill for the care of your personal animals ...
that my dear is not an attack of any kind but simply the truth.  Same
reason for me to gripe about paying taxes when my street has more
potholes than flat spots and my neighboring city re-does their streets
every three years.  I speak up and speak my mind, no difference.  We
have the right to speak up not only in the best interest of the animals
in your care but as concerned citizens period.
 
Sincerely,
Leanne Bochenko
[Posted in FML issue 4041]