The forum membership is comprised of operators of shelters and
sanctuaries. With the military activity, economy, and foreclosures
uprooting families, shelters are being hit so very hard with
surrenders, as well as the negative impact on donations. Every shelter
has got to set limits based on what they can afford and physically care
for. Beyond those parameters, the very animals in your care will be
short-changed and your mission to protect and enhance their lives
diminished. Not only that, with all things in balance, sheltering
should complement our lives, not lessen our time for enjoyment with
friends and family.

Respecting those limits brings us to the dilemma of how to say "no"
to surrenders, and assisting them with all options in rehoming their
ferrets. To start off, it can be difficult, but it will surprise you
how many immediately resort to calling the shelter, before they explore
other options. We welcome all shelter and sanctuary operators to join
this very important discussion on the forum.

For membership, go to:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ferret-Shelter_Council/
or contact me directly.

Affectionately,
Barb Clay
Shelter Rep/The Ferret Council
Dir of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's
www.rockysferrets.com

[Posted in FML 6264]