I was going to stay out of this, but after reading Judith's response
to Sandi's post, I will comment. I am the friend who Sandi asked to
contact SOS. I stayed in constant contact with Sandi every step of the
way, so everything that was communicated to me, was communcated to her.
Sandi does not have Internet access at home and has to use the public
library when she is able.

I emailed Sharon on Monday, 7/11 and told her that Sandi's vet had cut
her off until her bill was paid down. I provided Sandi's vet info,
account number, and phone number, as well as Sandi's phone number. I
didn't say it was an emergency but I thought that was pretty much
implied. Sharon replied that she would see what they could do.

Nothing was heard from SOS so I emailed Sharon again on Friday, 7/15.
Sharon responded on 7/18 and said Judith would be contacting Sandi, but
that SOS had provided funds and food already this year. I let Sandi
know this and she informed me that SOS has not provided any funding at
any time recently, and did send a 40# bag of food a few months ago.
She said that perhaps it had been confused with a fundraiser another
organization had done for her last summer. (Sandi is having her vet's
office run a history of her account in order to document this) I
emailed Sharon back and gave her this information.

That is my last contact with anyone from SOS and Sandi still has not
heard from anyone. I had no idea that Sandi was going to post to the
FML about this, but I do understand her frustration when she is unable
to get needed vet assistance for the ferrets in her care. Even though
she has closed her doors, she still has 22 ferrets in her care, mostly
hospice.

I have never had any dealings with SOS, so cannot comment on whether
this is routinely how business is conducted or if this one just fell
through the cracks. Sandi is very thankful for any help she has
received from SOS and other groups in the past and in the future.

I also don't want to see a public discussion about this. I'm sure that
the SOS volunteers can better spend their time directly assisting needy
shelters.

Katharine
Florida

[Posted in FML 7129]