I think the way to survive in any business, not just fundraising for
shelters, is to come up with something new, or supply a product that
everyone needs......really needs.  I learned early on at ferret shows,
unless your bedding is something new, never seen, you are just one in
a crowd.  There is always a ton of bedding to choose from at the shows,
and alot of people making and selling cheaper and cheaper.
 
The key, which is often hard, is to come up with something new, different
etc.  I know, Alicia, I have one of your paintings which is beautiful.
If anyone has Sable ferrets, email her to see the hand painted and framed
ferret.
 
The Fantasy Art, even though I am not into Fantasy myself, hey, it is
different and I do believe it will sell well.  Wet your feet by getting
a few pieces and see how it goes.  I think it will indeed sell.
 
I am not a licensed shelter, however, I do have many struggles like
others with raising enough money to stay ahead of the game.  Lets face
it.......you don't get too many healthy, happy, young and very adoptable
ferrets in.  Most are older, need surgeries, etc.  This happens in all
aspects of rescue.  (I do Shih Tzu rescue also).  And there is ALWAYS
someone out there ready to jump down your throat and criticize what
you are doing.  You would think no matter how big, small, licensed,
unlicensed...... we are all in it for the ferrets.  Why not work
together??  I know our licensed Humane Societies and Animal Rescue
Leagues do not know how to care properly for ferrets.  They have no idea
what so ever about ferret diseases and problems.  I will go there, when
I have the extra money, and bail (I like to call it-because I do have to
pay for them), them out.  Then treat their issues and adopt them out.
But I don't always have the extra money to do that, and they will not
just turn them over to me.  It is a shame.
 
Good Luck Alicia, and hopefully you will stick with it.  I have met your
husband at the Fort Washington Expo center and he is a great guy!  I love
your products..............
 
Marguerite :)
 
TinyPrints Shih Tzu and Rescue
TinyPrints Ferret Rescue
http://www.tinyprintsferrets.com
http://www.tinyprints-shihtzu.com
TinyPrints Ferret Rescue Ebay Store
http://www.stores.ebay.com/tinyprintsferretrescuestore
http://half.ebay.com/shops/shops.jsp?seller_id=1093064
[Posted in FML issue 4490]