Hello All -
 
Few questions re: IFC and FAA's plans and how FACT can possibly support
them along with some recommendations/thoughts.
 
First, I am assuming that the goals should be:
 
1. Obtain shelter for any ferret "foundlings" - by that I mean strays
that may be found in the affected area.  Though realistically, I suspect
they will be few and far between.  But miracles happen every day.
 
2. Offer temporary housing for owners while they focus on putting their
lives back in order.  This is what I see should be the prime focus of any
rescue effort.  As a shelter our goal is ALWAYS to try to keep a ferret
with its current family - taking that attitude has actually helped FACT
reduce the number of animals we take in.  For most of these families,
temporary housing and, perhaps, financial support to replace medications
and ferret supplies may be the most important need and helping them do
that - IMHO - should be the focus..
 
3.  Some people will be forced to give up their pets permanently.  (see 2
above!).  If we concentrate on goal 2, we should be able to minimize the
number that need permanent housing.  But again, we need to be prepared
for that as well.
 
In order to deliver on the prime objective, it will be critical to keep
the ferrets as close to their owners as possible.  While some folks may
head to move in with relatives anywhere in the country and we need to be
sensitive to that, most will try to stay close to their property.  While
I agree, Judy, that ferret shelters and ferret lovers may be the best
option for ferrets, many ferret owners are multiple species families,
and we need to be very sensitive to that.
 
I believe there are vets willing to house animals short term.  We should
put a priority on identifying them and be prepared to direct financial
support in to help that effort.  We need to keep in mind that many of
the vets in the area have been adversely affected as well.  What we can
do is have a local list of ferret knowledgeable folks available for
volunteering to help the vets.  I suspect that may be easier than trying
to find local homes willing to take ferrets along with all the other
species that will need housing.  Fortunately, ferrets don't take up a lot
of room!  Sukie's list is a superb effort to id ferret friendly vets -
but perhaps there are also less knowledgeable vets and homes willing to
help!  Task should be to identify the status of area vets as well as
kennels and boarding facilities to see if they are "in business"
overwhelmed or willing to take in ferrets and for how long?  Also need
to know what they think they would need to charge for the help.
 
Further, have the area shelters been id'd?  Having run a ferret shelter
I am biased - but I would think it would be most helpful to try to empty
as many local shelters as possible to give them the space to take the
animals that may arrive from the mainstream shelters.  (BTW - most people
will probably be directed by area support staff, the military, and human
services organizations to the key players like HSUS, NSAL, etc).  The
FAA's expertise would be invaluable there.  And again, relaying animals
that have already been evaluated by the shelter with their needs already
identified would open up more room locally - which is where we should try
to keep as many of the evacuated animals as possible (see 2 above, yet
again!).  If they become overwhelmed, we can always look to move more out
of the area.
 
Again - we need to ensure that the financial support is there to deliver
on what we promise - as our respective pockets are rather thin given the
sheer scope of the disaster.
 
I would add a cautionary note about moving quantities of ferret supplies
around.  Most of the large organizations recommend against accepting
donations of food and durable goods.  The cost of shipping and moving
items about far outweighs their value - especially with the current
rising cost of fuel and the need for trucks to bring bare necessities
to the area.  While it seems crass, money is the best support!!!  And
can also help to bring needed dollars into the local community that has
been so devastated.  Our local pet store down the street (love 'em or
hate 'em as your local situation dictates) does not need to rebuild
their business.  Except for those business in NO and the coastal areas
destroyed, I think that we would be adding human value by sending money
into the local economy right now (sorry if my economic background "slip"
is showing!)
 
Having sat on the board of the New England Federation of Humane Societies
and their advisory board for several years, I know that while these
mainstream groups recognize the value of small, dedicated species
shelters, they also tend to view us as sometimes being a bit naive in our
approach.  Not our fault, we just don't have the broad experience and
exposure they do (frankly the sheer volumes they have to deal with daily
always overwhelms me!).  But what we do have that is admired deeply is
the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm species dedicated groups offer.
I have always been convinced we need to work in close partnership with
the mainstream groups to provide back-up and support.
 
May be redundant here and perhaps the effort is already underway but can
I suggest that we take a proactive approach and outreach to the vets on
the list Sukie has and obtain volunteers to make phone calls to access
capacity etc of the vets?  Ditto for whatever shelter lists are
available?  (Is the Ferret Central list current?).  I know calls cost
money.  We just need folks assigned to specific portions of the list to
keep track of time/charges for reimbursement if necessary.  At the least,
if they pay for the calls, they can consider that a donation.  With so
many folks with unlimited calling plans or time available on cell phones,
perhaps it can be done quickly and efficiently.  Just need a plan for it.
 
I am willing to put together a common questionnaire for each caller to
use.  And maintain a list of caller volunteers and assignments.  Just
need the volunteers, the best up to date lists around and, if Bill is
agreeable, use the FML as the forum for keeping everyone updated.
 
Please weigh in readers - as I know there are many areas of expertise
and experience out there!
 
Ann Gruden
President, Ferret Association of CT, Inc. - FACT
[Posted in FML issue 4989]