On another note.

If possible, when sending money to an organization, send a check or
money order! PayPal is convenient, but each payment made incurs a $.30
transaction fee plus a percentage fee of up to to 2.5%; similar to
using a credit card. Some may consider it a small price for the
convenience, but they are for profit corporations! If you do have
a paypal account, and want to send money to a shelter, do so as a
"personal payment" from a cash balance or bank transfer. Then no
fees are charged. :)

If you want to verify the non-profit status of any charitable
organization, you can look up the group free on GuideStar. You can
also access their 990 filings to see how their money is actually spent.
Every so often I go there and research various charities - animal or
others - and it can be eye-opening.

Ann Gruden
Ferret Association of CT

[Posted in FML 6725]