I've been asked to forward the following to the FML by Pam Grant, coordinator
of STAR*Ferrets (Shelters That Adopt & Rescue Ferrets).
 
Katie
-------------------
CompuServe Pets Forum, Small Mammals Section Co-Leader
Internet: [log in to unmask]   CIS: 71257,3153
 
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 #: 563906 S11/Small Mammals
     29-Dec-93  22:11:44
 Sb: KS ferret bite help
 Fm: Pamela T. Grant 73613,231
 To: all
 
 Dear Ferret Lovers,                             12/29/93
 
         I have an easy New Year's resolution for anyone out there who needs
 one.  Come to the aid of another ferret owner.
 
         In this case, and I do mean case, the victims are the owner of a
 ferret and her husband who live in Kansas.  Mike and Rita McDowell would like
 to hear from all their fellow ferret owners.  If you would like to call or
 write with encouragement, send a cash donation to help offset their legal
 fees, or provide anything "ferrety" to show your support for what they are
 doing for the life of their pets, please do not hesitate to act!
 
         Mike has been laid off from work, and the ferrets have been whisked
 away by unknown individual(s).  A legal defense fund has been set up and
 though it is not tax deductible, every coin tossed in is precious.  A lawyer
 who has dealt with a wolf-hybrid case in the past has been retained, but some
 funds need to be put up front to cover basic lawyer costs.
 
         I just saw a story tonight on TV about Baby Jessica and how she is
 doing six years after being rescued from that small well in her backyard.
 People contributed to her family so much that they are living quite
 comfortably and her college education has a nice down payment ready and
 waiting.
 
         This KS bite case not only effects the lives of two ferrets and a
 family, but it reaches out to each of us, because, no matter how careful we
 are and comfortable with our pets, THIS COULD HAPPEN TO US!  We need to reach
 out and support this effort, because it will set precedence which we may have
 to rely on in the future in another state where a house bound ferret might
 taste a stranger.
 
         If you can spare anything, time or money, please contact the
 McDowells.  They have given permission for their address and phone number to
 
                 Mike and Rita McDowell
                 109 West Fourth
                 Onaga, KS 66521
                 913-889-7180            Ferret Legal Defense Fund
 
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[Posted in FML issue 0682]