The issue is really one of donations and money.  IF you are a
rescue/shelter you have decided to open your home to the public for
surrenders and to adopt out.  Most all animals are adoptable and you
have a license, or permit or in some way legally qualified to do so.
Yes, most all shelters are in people's homes and at some point a ferret
may stay the rest of their life there because no one can adopt that
ferret, but they are still official shelters/rescues.
 
By legal definition, some towns may say a shelter is different from a
rescue.  like with zoning ordinances, and such, but basically they are
the same.
 
Now, I have 6 ferrets, 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 turtle that are all rescues.
And I know a lot of people on this list also have rescued from all sorts
of situations.  Shoot, even petstore rescues.
 
However, the difference in my mind, I have not officially became a
rescue.  I can't afford it, I don't have the time, I am selfish, I don't
want to give up that much of myself.  I do what I can.  I not only take
in the ones I have, but I foster and volunteer for a local shelter, and
volunteer with a local ferret club.  When I am overwhelmed, I cut back.
I couldn't do that if I were an official shelter/rescue.
 
I have spent a lot of money on my rescues over the years, I have donated
to the shelter as well, from money, to bedding I sew, to time.  I just
would never call myself a rescue because every animal I took in became
my personal pets.
 
I rescue but am not a rescue, I provide shelter to the animals in my care
yet am not a shelter.
 
However, if someone that always rescues animals, and then finds
themselves in financial trouble, or in need of help.  Then it does no
harm to ask, just be honest, don't expect it, and stop taking in more
animals until things get better.
 
I prefer to donate to shelters/rescues, but have given to friends in
need, and just people who really deserve it because they have spent years
helping others, and now they need help too.  But at least I knew who is
who and could then make that decision.
 
Patty K
[Posted in FML issue 4544]