>Written by:Barbara Clay <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: ILLINOIS FERRET COLLECTOR VALIDATED BY PRESS
>
>The article gives more than great credence to ferret
>"Collectiing/Hoarding" it gives the abusers/supporters a tax write-off.
>see it nothing more than the CAT houses we have read PUPPY mills we have
>read of, and I certainly hope that this community sees the proprietary
>need to stop this woman and her ferret hoarding.  Please read her website
>and see that many of these ferrets were purchased by her, adopted from
>other shelters.  http://strobachyzoo.tripod.com/
 
Yes ferret folks, please see this website because it is only then that
you will be able to make the educated decision on whether or not this
woman is truly a hoarder or a caregiver.  I think it's pretty safe to say
that no one on this board is going to jump on a bandwagon crusade against
another shelter without doing their homework first...but nice try though.
 
Seems to me that the only error here is in the terminology used to
describe her rescue effort.  I, too have been under the impression that
the word "sanctuary" is used to describe a place where wild, endangered
animals are kept.  Does this make Kathy Strobach a hoarder or a
collector?  I hardly think so.  Read on FML'rs.  Did Kathy purchase some
of her animals..yes....and God bless her for it.  YES, she purchased dear
Lucy from someone that was auctioning her off to the highest bidder.
This animal was already neglected and being kept in a 1'x1' cage and
her only hope at this point was to move on to the next uneducated
human.... the highest paying human at that.  Never mind the welfare of
the animal, the owner was content to just make her money back.  Kathy
SAVED her.  I read through at least half the stories of her kids at the
"sanctuary" until it became obvious to me that this woman is not a
hoarder, not a collector, but a saviour.  Do READ her website and read
about Cheezer, Weezer, Choo Choo, Rizo and Yoda who were rescued from an
abusive home AND sick.  READ about Cleo and Clyde who were ill and dumped
outside to die.  READ about Crystal, Harrriett and Jenna who's lives were
saved because their time was up at Animal Control.  Sentenced to die.
READ about Ellen's Crew who Kathy graciously took in when their human
companion gave birth to a sick baby and was no longer able to care for
the ferrets.  Read about Marjorie who was found in an outside toilet for
God's sake!  And please, read on about the rest of the animals in her
charge who she took in because they were sick and had no other hope in
life.  Not purchased from other shelters...RESCUED from Animal Control.
Last time I checked Animal Control is not considered a shelter.  Exactly
what is the mission of a rescue if it is not to take in sick, injured and
abused animals?  Granted, these critters probably won't command the
highest adoption fee but many of us don't go into rescue with that in
mind.
 
>She refuses to adopt.
 
It's obvious to me that it is in the best interest of most of these
animals to be given the permanent, loving home she is providing.  Most
are sick, elderly and abused and the last thing they need in life is
another upheaval.  Not to mention the fact that it is extremely difficult
to place a healthy ferret in a good and loving home much less a sick one.
 
>She mentions in the article that she has "Detractors".  I proudly admit,
>I am one.
 
The only thing you can be proud of at this point.
 
>But most of all, any CAT PERSON, PUPPY MILL, has now been validated by
>the CHRONICLE.
 
I don't think so.  Is there not a big difference between puppy mills and
rescues?  One breeds, the other saves...but then again if you are in the
habit of rescuing AND breeding I can see where these two could be lumped
into one category.  Geez, does this mean I can't be a cat person (cat
lover right?) and not be considered a hoarder?
 
>Oh, by the way, she also has 56 ferrets in a room adjoined to her
>kitchen...
 
Look at the website folks.  This appears to be a HUGE room....and clean
too.  Yes she has 56 unwanted, abused, sick, abandoned ferrets.  Let's
hang her now.
 
Rescues and shelters.  Line up now for your public bashing.  Who's next
Barb? Kathy "Zoo" and I have already taken our turns.
 
Proudly supporting rescues and shelters,
 
Kim at Somethin Up My Sleeve
 
Fuzzy Hugs from Kim and da kids at Somethin Up My Sleeve Rescue
Ask me how you can virtually eliminate the need for veterinary dental
visits.
[Posted in FML issue 4001]