This is Susie Lee with the Ferret And Dove Sanctuary, Inc., in Pensacola,
Florida.
 
The following is an exchange between us and one Brittany Thornton.  We
would like to know if this request as she has framed it is a hoax, scam,
or if it's legitimate.  Some of you among the general FML population are,
we know, genuine whiz-bangs at ferreting out truthfulness from the more
patently fictitious.  If I had the time and resources, what I'd do is
call the University itself and check out this person's hole-y story, but
I sure don't 'cause it's feeding tome and I've got bottles and dishes of
our "duck soup" to go warm up and serve...
 
Well, anyways, here is the entire exchange, copied and pasted together in
order.
 
 ....................
Original Message -----
 
 From: Brittany Thornton
 To: [log in to unmask]
 Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 4:28 PM
 Subject: adoption; To Whom It May Concern:
 
My name is Brittany Thornton and I am a representative of Fort Valley
State University's Veterinary Science program in Fort Valley, GA.
Our department includes studies that encompass a vast array of animal
species, but sadly we don't have ferrets.  We realize that ferrets are
very popular pets (I personally own two of these delightful creatures.)
We would like to familiarize our students and future Veterinarians with
the ferret.  However, to do this we require the donation of ferrets
and/or a multi-level ferret cage to accommodate them.  Any items donated
can be a tax write-off for the donator.  We don't perform invasive
procedures or experiments on our animals.  However with Vets on staff
we can accommodate for their every basic care and medical need.  If you
can help our cause or provide us with information it would be greatly
appreciated.
 
Sincerely,
Brittany
 
 
This is Susie Lee, co-director of The Ferret And Dove Sanctuary, Inc.
 
I would suggest that you ask the pet stores for un-sold or unsalable
ferrets because it is highly unlikely that you will get ferrets from any
shelter for lab animals.  It is distantly possible that your department
Might get already deceased ferrets if you might have suggested health
research.
 
 From: Brittany Thornton
 To: Wes Hurley
 Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:09 AM
 Subject: Re: adoption
 
Hi Ms. Susie Lee,
 
We at this University Do Not wish to obtain ferrets as "lab animals".  We
treat all our animals as loved pets and only perform proceedures that
are necessary.  A large area of our studies here is animal behavior and
handling studies.  We aim to allow our students the opportunity to simply
observe these fascinating creatures and learn how to properly handle
them.  Many of our future veterinarians have never even seen a ferret.
We are able to obtain animals for necropsy but this is not our current
goal.  I apologize if my original letter was the cause of the confusion
in the intent of these animals.  We do appreciate your response
 
(Susie's Answer)
 
If you had not misrepresented yourself in the first place, with the title
of your first letter being "adoption" where there is no indication in
which you, as an individual, wish to adopt, and then asked for donations
of other peoples' pets and companions to a University, not unlike some
sort of "Dr. Frankenstien", we wouldn't have to be so defensive and
protective of our silent and helpless charges.
 
Also, if you're already working there, or a student, and you Say that you
already have two pet ferrets of your own, then why don't you bring the
University your own ferrets if the vet students are so gosh-doggoned
deprived.
 
Or, what?  afraid they'll be mutilated and perhaps killed while being
performed procedures on?  Let them do their procedures on someone Else's
ferrets, not yours?  That's it, isn't it.  Once again, ask at the pet
stores for their unsolds and unsalable critters.  Many shelters, ours
included, very often wind up with these mishandled and unwanted furkids
and we will not adopt them back out to the same detrimental conditions
from which they were rescued if any of us can help it.
[Posted in FML issue 4839]