Hi Folks,
 
Yep, I vented yesterday, but the problems I spoke of are not only
experienced at my shelter.
 
Shelters everywhere go through it.  It doesn't matter if you have 10
ferrets, or 100 ferrets, the problems are the same, just multiplied.
 
If a shelter says they are ok with the dirty work, volunteer to do an
Education Day for the shelter at a local pet store, organize a car wash
to help with funds.  There are allot of things that can help.
 
One person wrote me, and they made a good point.  When she and her husband
volunteered at the local shelter, they were given litter boxes, food,
bedding and shown where to rinse and fill bottles.  Left on their own,
while the operator handled other shelter stuff, which is fine.  But they
felt uncomfortable.  Reason being, yes they have ferrets, but everyone
does cages differently, and has preferences.  And they weren't shown how
the operator wants things done.
 
Moral here is, shelter operators, when you are lucky enough to get a
volunteer, show them how you want things done, teach them "your way" of
doing cages, organizing, and such, that way the next time they show up,
they can handle things more comfortably.
 
The problems aren't just here in Cleveland, they are across the U.S.  Not
only in ferret shelters, but others too.  Our society has the attitude
animals are disposable.
 
If you have an idea share it, just don't tell people you should, you
shouldn't.  And if you can make the idea happen by helping, well all the
better!!
 
Oh, and if you volunteer, and say you will be there, be there.  There is
nothing worse then knowing help is going to be over and you can get other
things done, and not showing.  Or at least call.
 
Hug the fur angels.
 
Jean
Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter
[Posted in FML issue 3178]