hi there
i have an idea for the ferret shelters out there since it seems a lot of
them are having financial trouble.  the following ideas should get the
proper approval from store owners before just doing this, of course!
 
my first idea is to put a tall decorated box at local supermarkets or pet
stores for people to put stuff in to donate.  what i mean by decorate is
put your shelters name on the box and possibly even the vet you use so
they could do a cash donation at the vets office if preferred.  put info
on the many different ferret disease(insulinoma, adrenal), including what
has to be done to adopt out a ferret (adv testing, vax).  put a WISH LIST
in big letters.  that way people can donate things from supermarkets
(paper towels, laundry det., baby food, ensure) and/or from pet
stores(ferret food,bedding,treats,toys, nutrical, laxatone)
 
my second idea is to put a coffee can with shelter info and the vet costs
and vet info.  basically asking for the spare change they have after
pumping gas or getting a snack, explaining that the spare change could
help defray vet bills to keep the shelter running.  again, the vets info
is on there if they wish to verify you are a real shelter and not a scam
or if they wish to make a good size donation and not leave it at a gas
station in a can.
 
my third idea is to do either of the above at a place of worship, whether
it be church or temple.... i personally went to church growing up and
they would often have a second collection for whatever cause.  so you
could talk to a priest or ?  and ask they do a second collection to help
your shelter out in raising funds for the vet care, or you could ask to
leave the wish list box and they could announce the weekend before that
it will be there or they could print it in the bulletin/flyer.  you could
even get up and give a little speech and say that at the end of services
if you wish to learn more about adoption or leave a donation, i will be
at the main exit.
 
well, just some ideas.......hope you try it!!!  if you do please let me
know how it worked out....i would love to hear feedback...especially if
it means helping some fuzzies out with just an idea :.)
 
melissa duquette
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[Posted in FML issue 4245]