Hello Everyone,
 
We don't post often, we're usually too busy, we actually have another
person read the FML for us (by her choice) and usually tells us about
things that are of interest to the shelter system in general.  However, we
(my wife and I) were fortunate enough (or should I say unfortunate enough)
to read Mr. Church's comments about shelters.  I was very upset, along
with my wife and had a wonderfully HUGE post planned to send to Mr. Church
via the FML, but then someone said it better than I could through all the
flames in the world Mr. Church, so I'll spare you the "pain" of being
flamed.  However, I will say that since "you don't give a putrid rat's ass"
I believe were your words, then why should a little flame bother you???
 
We would like to thank Josephine Hansen publicly via the FML for calming us
down and making us come to our senses before posting.  The simple facts,
yes some shelters have problems, yes there needs to be better care in some
shelters, but over-generalized comments, such as Mr. Church's are just
plain wrong.  Josephine hit the nail on the head with her comments.  Unless
you run a shelter, or volunteer at a shelter, or walk a mile in a shelter
operators shoes, you have no right to criticize.  There may be shelters out
there that aren't PERFECT in your opinion Mr. Church, however, you have no
right to criticize them.  They are doing the best they can, and they all
care about the ferrets.  You don't get rich doing shelter work, you don't
get a lot of human thanks doing shelter work, what you do get is an inner
feeling of joy and happiness that you made the difference in a ferrets
life.  Shelters should be picky about who they adopt to, because most of
the ferrets that come through the shelter door come from places that aren't
picky (pet stores, etc...) Why adopt out a ferret to just anyone, when it
will just end up back in the shelter again, with yet another failed home to
add to it's list.  THAT Mr. Church is what is unfair to a ferret.
 
Do you run a shelter Mr. Church???  NO.  Yes, you've VISITED quite a few
apparently, but do you stay there and help out???  It seems to me that you
are too busy responding to the FML and waltzing across America to worry
about much else.  Have you been there when a shelter ferret passes away in
the directors arms and have you cried over the shelter ferrets that are
sick and suffering in the shelters???  NO.  The simple facts Mr. Church
are that you do not run a shelter (as you have stated), you do not support
shelters (visiting is not supporting), and you frankly have no right to
make such vague generalizations as you have.  I'm not expecting a debate on
this issue, in fact, I've got to go and make sure all of the fuzzies are
ready for bed now.  Mr. Church, stick to the business of giving advice,
people admire and respect your advice (usually, with the rare exception,
such as this topic) Shelter operators out there, keep up the good work.
When you need some moral support, call another shelter operator, don't look
to the FML for answers.  Shelters have problems, however, so do private
breeders, ferret farms, individuals, etc... Let the people who have decided
to devote a significant portion of their lives to trying to better the
lives of unwanted ferrets take care of the shelter problems, and the people
who breed privately take care of the breeding problems, etc... Working out
problems via discussion is good, we agree, but making vague generalizations
are harmful to the general shelter community.  People who don't know any
better take it as gospel (especially from you Mr. Church) and it can end up
doing more harm than good.  Please think in the future before posting such
generalizations, as to what the impact of your comments might be.  You want
to help ferrets, and you say that's your primary goal, well we can think of
many a NEW, prospective ferret owner who would think twice about adopting
from a shelter after some of the comments you've made in your post.  Saying
shelter ferrets are neurotic biters for instance, only MAKES collectors out
of shelters who are trying to find GOOD, PERMANENT homes for the fuzzies in
their care.  Is that what you are trying to accomplish???  We certainly
hope not.
 
In closing (I know, you're all saying FINALLY!! :-), thank you to Josephine,
thank you thank you thank you!!!  And thank you for all who support their
local shelters with time, donations, money, help, everything!!  Mr. Church,
I know you don't care what I say, so I'll leave it at a simple fact: You
don't have the right to criticize others for doing what their hearts tell
them is best.  Plain, simple, and to the point.  Take care everyone, and
God Bless (even you Mr. Church).  Kiss the fuzzies, and remember that each
one is precious and deserves all the love and attention you can give.  Any
flames or comments can be sent to us directly instead of "littering" the
FML with them.  I'm sure BIG will appreciate that too ;-)
 
Chris and Tara Palaski
Directors, Westmoreland County Branch
Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association
P.O. Box 724
Greensburg, PA  15601
[log in to unmask]
 
[Moderator's note: I'm not trying to take sides here -- there is definitely
something learned from the shelter viewpoint -- but feel I need to point
out that Mr. Church and ALL the FML subscribers do indeed have a right to
state their opinions on the FML.  That's what it's all about!  I don't run
the country, but I have certainly have the right to talk about President
Clinton.  Or the CA Dept of Fish and Game for that matter.... BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2517]