Hope you'll forgive my ramblings about the census of late. It's just that
I'm overwhelmed by the positive responses we've been getting from concerned
ferret people out there offering their support. Got another batch of requests
for forms (and masters) in the mail tonight at the GCFA meeting. Just goes to
show that there are a lot of people out there who give a darn about their
little ones enough to take part in (and even promote ) a project designed
solely for the benefit of the ferrets.
 
Runnig this project has not been without it's negative side, however. I also
received a very official looking letter from an officer of a well-known ferret
registry organization lambasting me for the wording of our Press release. Of
particular interest to them were my quoting as a "conservative estimate" the
figure of 6,000,000 ferrets in the United States. They claimes that the figure
originated in their office. While this may be true, it was not where I obtained
the figure, and, while the statistics mentioned may have been current in 1989,
it is safe to assume that they could use some updating after 4 years of fluc-
tuating ferret markets.
 
[I'd almost suggest that you publish this letter you got.  Always useful
to get information about which organizations to avoid.]
 
Let me make it clear to anyone wishing to send me such a scathing missive- I
am not doing this for any financial gain or feathers in my cap. I am doing
this for the knowledge that it will hopefully bring to the right people to
help our furry little friends live longer, healthier and more legally. Such
petty nit-picking serves only to widen that gaps between ferret groups that
should have only one thing at heart - the welfare of our ferrets! I'd like to
see the few years I have left mean something by accomplishing something posi-
tive for our pets. I' think it's clear that I'm afetr no personal glory, here.
I hope that is true of all non-profit ferret clubs & such.
 
To those clubs that sent requests for masters, they're in the mail....
 
[soapbox mode off]
 
Roger
 
[It does seem a trifle wierd that a "For Immediate Release,
Distribution: U.S. Only" gets sent to me...]
 
[Posted in FML issue 0421]