I'm sure someone has thought of this before, but recent events lately have
gotten me thinking again.  I notice that in some parts of the country there
are overcrowded ferret shelters, and in a few areas, there is a waiting
list of qualified adopters, but not enough ferrets.  I wonder if there can
be some sort of exchange set up, which would help to alleviate this
imbalance.  I realize it sounds easy on paper, and there would be many
details, such as transportation, organization, extra steps would have to be
taken to minimize ECE outbreaks, stress of moving, medical expenses were
paid by one shelter when the ferrets were adopted out by another, etc.
Although I belong to a local club, and donate and belong to a few others
around the country, I would like to participate in something that would
benefit all ferrets.  Maybe a website could be set up, where all the
central information would be kept and where organizations around the
country would post and communicate with each other?  It would be a joint
effort and no one person or organization would get all the credit.  I
realize there is always a risk when dealing with people you don't see face
to face in other parts of the country, but I find that for the most part,
most shelter operators only have the best interests of the ferrets in mind.
Maybe a driving chain could be set up, similar to Ferrets Across America
(which was a great idea, but I believe had a lack of volunteers, could we
resurrect something like that?).  I don't know, maybe I am too idealistic
and sometimes have crazy ideas, but I would be willing to help out with
something like this, if other people thought it may benefit ferrets.  If
anyone has any other ideas about this, you are welcome to either email me
privately or post here.  I know my ideas may sound crazy, so please don't
scold me if they do, but maybe something good can come out of this?
[Posted in FML issue 3381]