Sara is right.  Probably none of us knew what we were getting into when
we took in our first ferret.  We didn't intend to be a shelter either.
We just wanted to get information about ferrets into the hands of vets,
pet stores, and shelters, where people might be looking for or caring
for ferrets.  We should have known better, information out - ferrets in.
That was almost 13 years ago.  Mary Van Dahm of FAIR and Pam Troutman of
STAR were both very helpful to us.  Our census runs between 35 and 60
depending on the time of year.  Every time we improved or expanded out
shelter space (including putting an addition on the house) the number
coming in has increased.
 
We have helped initiate 2 other shelters in the KC area (there are
always enough foundlings to go around) and both gave it up within the
first year, so a couple of words of advice:
 
This is not something that an individual should attempt alone.
Fortunately we've found a number of faithful volunteers as the word
spread but I think that it takes at least two devoted people in a
household to deal with the daily stuff.
 
The smartest thing I did was to become a 501c3 during our first year.
Although our budget is modest 1/3rd to 1/2 of our income comes from tax
exempt donations.  The rest comes from adoption fees, which we have
increased only twice in 12 years.  Being a non-profit also helps qualify
you for grant funding.
 
Good luck and bless your heart for attempting this.
 
Bobbi McC.
[Posted in FML issue 4691]