Here is a copy of the email I have forwarded to Mr. Keith Schopp, Purina
Public Relations

 _____

From: Diane Wall [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 1:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Discontinuance of ProPlan Turkey & Barley Huge Impact on Ferret
Shelters & Rescues

Dear Mr. Schopp (Purina Public Relations Representative):

I am writing today to you to follow up on my telephone conversation with
the ProPlan Customer Information Center.

After visiting my local PetsMart and PetCo stores for my weekly purchase
of the ProPlan Turkey and Barley dry cat food, I was woefully informed
that Purina has discontinued the production of this product.

What a shock, as a ferret shelter operator, I have used this product
faithfully for many years as well as all of the other ferret owners I
know.  We routinely recommend purchasing this product for all new ferret
owners, MSPCA's and Animal Rescue Leagues.  This specific combination of
the Turkey & Barley works wonders for ferrets with various medical
challenges including food allergies, (the turkey and rice just isn't
affective).  Ferrets specifically need a high protein food and with the
protein in this specific product at 40% with 16% fat content is highly
effective for us.

Perhaps Purina is aware that ferrets are now the number three most
popular companion pet in the United States having significant consumer
purchasing opportunities.  Presently there is quite a discussion taking
place on both nationally and internationally on line with the ferret
shelter operators and ferret owners through both the FML (Ferret Mailing
List) and Ferret Health Digest commenting specifically on the
discontinuance of this product and how absolutely panic stricken we are
on the number of ferrets whose ailments will likely turn fatal once this
food is no longer available.  We are quite discouraged that Purina would
discontinue this product with no viable replacement and almost no notice.

Would Purina consider either continuing this product given the facts and
significant ferret customer volume of purchasing this product or taking
the ingredients of this product and remarketing as a ferret food?  I have
attached a picture of ferrets eating ground up Turkey & Barley ProPlan
and warm water, as you can see it's what they love to eat.

Please reply at your earliest convenience.

If you would like to post a reply to this issue on line (to reply to
ferret shelter operators and thousands of owners nationally and
internationally) The Ferret Mailing List, Moderator: Bill Gruber,
[log in to unmask] and The Ferret Health Digest:
[log in to unmask]

Sincerely,
Diane C. Wall
South Shore Ferret Care
Massachusetts
<http://www.maferrets.org/>
[Posted in FML issue 5266]