Hello,
 
This is an interesting subject, I think it would be nice to hear
viewpoints from other volunteers and shelter directors.  Here is our
two cents on the issue for what it's worth.
 
My husband & I have been volunteers for the 24 Carat Ferret Rescue &
Shelter in Las Vegas for almost a year now.  I must admit, it is hard to
find the glory in scooping poop all day.  However, for us, the rewards
are plentiful.  There are so many of those sweet little helpless fuzzies
that need to be cared for.  We have done several "pick-ups" now and it
is heartbreaking to see the condition of many of these little angels.
They often have been injured, abused, sick and neglected before they are
surrendered to the shelter.  One night we picked up a small female from
an elderly lady, the woman loved this little ferret and wept as we left
with her dear friend.  We felt for the woman but knew the ferret was in
very bad condition.  The sweet fuzzie died in spite of the Dr.'s endless
efforts to save her.  That was a very sad day for us at the shelter.
However, we have "picked-up" several that have gone on to wonderful
homes.  The reward is when these families who have adopted the shelter
ferrets come by to visit and bring their fuzzie(s).  To see the sparkle
in the eyes of a playful healthy little fuzzie is indeed our reward.  We
"picked-up" a young male last week, this little fellow weighed barely
over one pound and was so dehydrated it was pitiful (it is extremely hot
in Las Vegas right now).  The shelter director allowed us to take little
"Jack Sprat" home with us to work on his recovery.  The first three days,
all he did is lay on the floor of his cage.  We had to hand feed him
mushed Marshall's and Duck Soup to get him to eat.  Our reward came this
morning when he was running all around the house playing with another one
of the shelter ferrets we are fostering.  He is well hydrated, eating dry
food on his own, has put on several ounces and is a playful silly boy.
That puts a smile on our faces we can wear all day long, no matter how
rough the workday gets.  Jack will be ready for adoption very soon and
his new family will be very lucky to have him.  I could go on and on
about the ups and downs of volunteering at the shelter, however, we do it
for one reason.one cause.  the ferrets.  We have met some extraordinary
people along the way, oh yeah!, working public events hosted by animal
lovers across the board.  Not to mention the fine group of friends who
contribute their efforts to help CJ keep the 24 Carat Ferret Shelter in
operation.  She is grateful to all of us and we know it, she often will
say "Thanks so much, I could not do it without all of you and your help."
We don't need her to pat us on the back and sing our praises for every
effort or good deed we do, we're not doing it for her, although she has
become a dear friend.  We're in it for the fuzz butts.  If you had a bad
experience as a volunteer, volunteer with a different organization.
Don't deny yourself the opportunity to "make a difference".  You'll be
glad you did.
 
Best Regards,
Sandi & Ed Fitler
Friends & Volunteers
www.geocities.com/a_24k_ferret
[Posted in FML issue 4211]