Dooks All ~!~!
For those who have read Tara's post regarding the situation in Eugene,
Oregon.
While Tara has a big heart, and meant well, her post could seem a bit
hysterical. Guess you have to know Tara to know what a wonderful person
she is and how sensitive she is to issues such as this. Luv ya' Tara ~!
No doors were kicked in, no 'evidence' was 'destroyed' or animals
'seized', there was no malicious, intentional, or criminal abuse or
neglect. Nor was it a case of a 'collector' or a hoarder.
Regarding this situation and the involvement of 2 PFSN shelters (Oregon
Ferret Shelter and Friends of Fuzzies). I have spoken with Chris Mathis
of the Oregon Ferret Shelter and send this with her regards.
The shelter in Eugene was operated by a small club. All decisions on
care/surgeries/finances/etc were decided by a vote of the club members.
The shelter mom was becoming burnt out, overwhelmed, and stressed. There
were personal issues to deal with. She had ferrets that needed
surgeries, etc but could not make the decisions on her own. She wanted
to close. She approached the club for assistance. The club did not have
the resources or finances. Seems in their hearts they truly cared for
the ferrets, but were overwhelmed.
Assistance was eventually requested. Kristine Lunny (Friends of Fuzzies)
and Christine Mathis (Oregon Ferret Shelter) went to pick up some (6) of
the kids at the shelter. They arrived to find the conditions of the kids
and of the shelter undesirable (lack of food/water, no blankets). They
discussed the situation with the shelter mom and club president. It was
decided by the club president that, in the best interest of the ferrets,
they would be turned over to shelters that were more able to care for
them.
All except for boarders and a few ferrets that club members took were
surrendered. 9 went to the Oregon Ferret Shelter, 8 to Friends of
Fuzzies.
If the situation had been more extreme, then another approach may have
been called for. Calling Animal Control, however, is NOT always the best
option. In some cases animals 'seized' as evidence MUST be kept in a
county facility. They cannot go to shelters or foster homes. Many
county facilities cannot care for ferrets. Many times Animal Control
determines which ferrets are healthy and which are not. In all
likelihood, several would have been PTS as 'unhealthy'.
This way they stand a fighting chance . . . . . . .
I was able to visit several of them at the OFS today. For the most part
they are happy and rate high on the BAR scale. They enjoyed the
cuddling, many wanted to play, many gave kisses. While they are
undernourished, the one thing they seem to 'starve' for is attention.
True, they are not in the best of health. Many will require surgery for
adrenals and other medical issues (tumors, glaucoma, insulinoma). There
are urine burns, fungus, and other areas that will need addressing. All
were very hungry and thirsty. All will require exams, ADV tests,
medications.
We are extremely fortunate to have a damn good vet at our side. Dr.
Alice truly cares for the animals in her charge. She is a blessing
Certainly, donations are most appreciated. Any donations to offset the
medical care can be directed to the vet Dr. Alice Davis at South
Clackamas Veterinary Services 206 Shaver Avenue, Molalla, OR 97038
Telephone 503-829-4428 please indicate it is for the Eugene kids.
For other donations:
Oregon Ferret Shelter
P.O. Box 1775 Oregon City, OR 94055
[log in to unmask]
Friends of Fuzzies
2308 NE Ravenwood Dr Bend, OR 97701
[log in to unmask]
Kevin B & The Way Kewl Kritter Crew [log in to unmask]
Oregon Ferret Shelter volunteer http://www.OregonFerretShelter.com
Pacific Ferret Shelter Network member http://www.FERRETNET.ORG
[Posted in FML issue 3925]
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