I had made up my mind to stay out of this discussion; that is untill last
night.  As I read the story of Farrah's last six weeks of life with Troy
Lynn, I could feel the pain that she was sharing with me, and countless
others like us.  Those who do shelter.
 
Dayna's account of an abused and terrified biter turning into a kissy love
machine is a recount of my Arty.  The surrenders shelters take in, some
with broken legs (now pinned), broken ribs that punctured intestines (bowel
resections and jel casts), Starved and dehydrated from ECE, PBD, neglect,
etc.  (medications, PO fluids, hyperalimentation, multiple syringe feedings
of duck soup), adreanals (medications, surgeries) are all common to every
shelter.  The best medicine of all is love, and every ferret gets a double
dose every possiable chance that presents itself!
 
Carla poses the questions all shelter operators must ask themselves every
time a prospective adopter appears at their door.  We don't even interview
untill we send an information packet for the family to read first.  Then we
ask questions about how they will care for and maintain this pet.  We let
them ask most of the questions.  Knowing ones' own limitations is a real
trip into reality.  Where is far enough, and how far is to far?
 
I would have done this; I wouldn't have done that; I would do it this way
if it were me.  Monday morning Quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, a Pro
Quarterback is worth a Million Dollars.  If You heven't played the game;
don't try to call the plays!
 
One week ago last Saturday, at 11:15 PM, we had an eight week old kit
delivered to our door.  Purchased three day before at a local pet store.
The kit had not eaten and had refused fluids from a spoon or water bottle
during this period.  We took this starved, severly dehydrated, rapidly
gasping, heart rate 300+, with black runny feces little life into our
hearts.  We did what we could (duck soup and fluids) and when Candi kissed
her little head at 3:25 AM Sunday morning I knew that she had gone to
rejoin her creator.  I kissed Candi, hugger and consoled her and reassured
her that she had done all humanly possiable, given the circumstances.
She had died in warm, loving hands; not alone in a cold bare cage.  As I
wrapped the tiny body in a soft pink T-shirt, put her into a shoe box and
placed her in the bottom of the refrigerator for delivery to our vet for
necropsy on Monday, I silently cursed the breeder for shipping her, the pet
store for selling her, and the owner for not seeking help earlier.  Refuse
to accept her?  Sorry, doesn't happen here!  Did we think we could save
her?  We never delude ourselves to that point!  Then Why?  If I have to
explain that to you; you'ld probably never understand it anyway!
 
To Troy Lynn, Carla, Dayna, Candi and all the other shelter operators who
give so much of themselves (time, money, labor, heartache) in an effort to
make a positive difference in this world; You are to be commended, not
condemned for what you do.  Let your heart and conscience continue to
motivate your acts of kindness and concern for these less fortunate little
ones.  Hugs to all!  It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark!
 
Rick White, Dir.,SAFE
[Posted in FML issue 2522]