I find that the acquizations of shelters using donationa for personal
gains or profits an insult, a slap in the face of all shelters.  And the
fact that fingers are being pointed at Barb and Kim is is, just plain
idiotic.
 
It is true that SOS sends donations to the vet, or Ferret Store, Jeffers
or Revial in the shelter's name.  But not all things needed to run a
shelter come from either place.  Don't get me wrong, all shelters are
very grateful to SOS for their help.  They help in very vital areas.
 
Since I go to the grocery store and buy chicken, olive oil, chicken baby
food for duck soup and pay for it with shelter funds, does that mean I am
using the money for personal gain?
 
Since I go to Pet Supplies Plus, Pet Smart, and a few other local pet
shops to shop prices for food in the mix that isn't carried by any of the
above listed "stores", and pay for the food with funds from the shelter,
is that profit?
 
Since I shop at thrift stores to find bedding and toys and pay for it
with shelter funds, is that personal gain?
 
If that is all personal gain, then the $500 I paid to the emergency
clinic two months ago for emergency blockage surgery on a turn in and
paid for it out of my pocket, is that a personal loss?  Or a gain for the
shelter?  (BTW, that was money to pay for my health insurance - so is it
a loss or gain?)
 
Since the only place in the house that is air conditioned is upstairs
where the ferrets are (BTW over of the house is ferret shelter) and my
electric bill runs $125 to $175 over what is does when I don't run the
air for the ferrets, is that personal loss or shelter gain?  Not to
mention the water, sewer bill from doing laundry, or the supplies to do
the laundry.  Or the tons of money that gets spent on cleanning supplies.
 
How about the tons of paper, and ink for informational handouts.  Or the
long distance bill for the phone.
 
Now how about the cost of keeping a roof over the ferrets heads?  We
bought a house because of the shelter (I would have been happy staying
in a two bedroom apartment), there are shelters out there that have had
buildings built to house the shelter on their property (wish I could do
that) now, is that personal loss or shelter gain since the cost comes
out of the operators pocket.
 
Like I said, I find it insulting that people would assume shelter's use
the money for personal gain.  I have always welcomed visitors to the
shelter, so does Barb, Lisa and Kim.  And numrous other shelters.
 
Unless you have walked the walk for as long as we have, don't try to
judge.
 
Jean
Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter
www.ferretsunlimited.org
[Posted in FML issue 4229]