Dear Ferret Friends & Family,
It is with a deep sense of peace & confidence that I inform you that
as of November 6th, I have handed over The Ferret Haven to three
very dedicated and knowledgeable women with whom have I been working
side-by-side for the past year to become familiar with all aspects
of sheltering/rescue & general operations of The Ferret Haven. To be
honest, they have seen to it that things were taken care of when I was
not able to do so but could not yet come to terms with letting go.
These ladies have over 10 years of ferret experience between them and
each of them has MANY ferrets of their own.
When I had previously announced that the shelter would be winding down
in anticipation of my declining health, these 3 ladies stepped up to
say "no, there is a need for The Ferret Haven to continue" and all
jumped in with both feet.
With their efforts, we experienced:
- a growth in adoptions, particularly through the the PetSmart
Charities adoption program on Westport Road
- the development of a Foster Ferret Program, enabling many older &
medically compromised ferrets to leave the shelter & be placed in
loving forever homes
- The institution of some much needed policies/proceedures & record
keeping
- Increased fundraising activities, the result if which has been that
every ferret whose health was in question in any way was able to see
the vet and receive diagnostic tests, medications and surgeries as
necessary. This includes ferrets in the Foster Program.
I ask that you all please welcome and support our shelter champions
who most of you already know:
Angela Showalter
[log in to unmask]
502-608-7790
Melissa Dyess
[log in to unmask]
812-405-2419
Sheri Steinback
[log in to unmask]
502-523-2669
There will be many changes & improvements through their efforts. One
of those changes I'd that there is no longer one central shelter
location but rather a series of foster homes for both adoptable and
"not-so-adoptable" ferrets. I will let them explain & define their
operation as it evolves, but everyone does need to be aware that
there are no longer ferrets or any shelter operations at my home.
Melissa, Sheri & Angela, I thank you for your dedication, your
countless hours of work and the heart that you continue to pour into
the many ferrets in need in the tri-state area. Having to give up
sheltering after 13 years and over 1000 ferrets is much easier to do,
knowing that the work not only continues, but improves in your capable
hands and with your fresh ideas.
To all receiving this e-mail, PLEASE support this team and The Ferret
Haven with your time, funds and ideas. There are approximately 75
ferrets between the 6 different foster homes, most of which are foster
candidates rather than adoptables, meaning the shelter is responsible
for their medical care expenses. Fundraising, cage cleaning, vet trips,
rescues, transport, daily food & supplies - these things all take time
and money. If it is important to you to have the resources of a ferret
shelter in this state - please participate in any way you can!
Stay tuned for more information from The NEW Ferret Haven.
Lastly, I thank all if you for your volunteering with me, and for your
adoptions, fostering, donations and support over the years. For the
trips, the laughs and the tears shared. I will miss you but will see
you at periodic events! For those of you with questions/comments
related to me as opposed to the shelter, you may contact me directly.
For ferret & shelter related questions, please begin to call upon your
new Ferret Haven Co-Directors.
Lastly, if you would like your name to remain on The Ferret Haven's
e-mail list, please reply back to this e-mail with your contact info
and I will forward to TFH. I have composed this e-mail to my personal
e-mail list and do not want to assume you wish to receive regular
contact. I would also be happy to pass along things like how many
ferrets you have or your desire to volunteer in any way of you want
to include those comments.
Best Wishes & Happy Holidays to you all!!!
Jerri Carel
502-439-0923 cell & text
[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML 7253]
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