Good news for some!
 
Recently, I have dealt with several people who have been successful in
not only getting reimbursed for the price of the ferret they purchased
but also getting their vet bills covered by Petco.  The most recent one
in my area was able to get about $1800 covered when the kit she adopted
needed eye surgery and vet bills resulting from foot rot.  I have been
told that Petco now reimburses when this type of thing happens and then
apparently they are reimbursed or credited by Marshall Farms.
 
Regardless, I am sure there are plenty of others who would like to be
reimbursed more than just the purchase price of a ferret kit they
obtained from Petco.  Here is the contact information:
 
Lisa Helzer (RACC/West Coast): [log in to unmask]
She works out of the Oregon office at 503-257-7329 extension 13 or her
pager is 877-359-1532
 
The East Coast RACC is Steve Dubeck and his email addy is
[log in to unmask]
 
You can also contact the VP of Store Operations, Sally Stork at
[log in to unmask]
 
Petco apparently wants to make good on some of these occurences (thank
goodness) and I figure that if you do for one, it is only fair that all
should be covered.  My guess is that you need the vet bills for submittal,
but I am sure the above people could provide more information.
 
I hope this helps those who have struggled with similar issues.
 
Now, I am just assuming that MC RUDE ONE, is referring to me in his last
post.  It seems MC RUDE needs to do more research.  The reason I write for
Ferrets Magazine (other than the fact that they are doing an outstanding
job) is that the money I get paid for each article is donated back to
shelters I work with.  It is the only way I can afford to give back
monetarily.  Unfortunately, I don't write on every issue so the money
isn't a full-time gig.  Since MC RUDE has decided to try and chastise
me, I think he/she needs to take the time and think this through.  Since
Marshall (or any other mills that advertise) wont give back to shelters
directly, this is my way of getting them to pay.  I am a quick writer so
my time isn't wasted and if Ferrets Magazine generates advertising dollars
from MF (or any other entity) then it makes sense to me that the money I
am getting paid is really coming from their advertising budgets.  See the
connection?  Not only that, but Ferrets Magazine has been giving back to
shelters.  Obviously not every single one (there are many) but they have
sponsored some ferrets at a shelter that desperately need help.  Both
editors I deal with were heartbroken when one of the ferrets passed.  If
you follow the FML, you probably read about it?
 
In a nutshell, as long as Ferrets Magazine continues to publish helpful
information and they continue to give back, they are A++ in my book!
Don't you think that some of the advertising dollars they are getting are
the same dollars that are being spent on the ferrets they sponsor?  Not
to mention how much recent exposure they have given to shelters in their
publication.  That accounts for giving back because I am sure donors have
then stepped forward (I hope).  Spotlighting shelters is a great thing!
 
Now, recently, I have read some posts by two shelter operators on the
whole ADV issue.  I was very appalled that these two shelter operators
feel that ferrets who have ADV should be euthanized.  One has clearly
stated that she would euthanize any ferret (including her own) that
turned up positive.  Has SOS seen these posts?  I hope so.  I don't think
any shelter that takes this attitude should receive any special funding.
There are many shelters out there who house ADV positive ferrets and many
of these ferrets have gone on to live happy lives considering the
situation.  More than likely, the adrenal cancers and other illnesses will
kill them before ADV will.  Not enough is known about ADV to go around and
simply euthanize ferrets who test positive.  Heck, the accuracy of the
ADV tests have even rec'd scrutiny by these same two shelter moms.
 
I don't know about others, but it really upset me to hear that these two
shelter operators would do such a thing.  I am not posting names because I
don't need the backlash and they know who they are.  However, you can go
to the ADV list for more details.  It breaks my heart when I think of what
some have gone through on ADV, especially Judy G.  who has done such an
amazing job of educating the public and continues to provide the love
those ferrets deserve, only to have shelter operators state these things.
I am shocked and dismayed.
 
BIG - I am only back for a short time and wont be posting "regularly" but
I felt it necessary to educate the public on the reimbursement issue and
to also (hopefully) get MC RUDE ONE to think things through on what I do
(or whoever he is alluding to).
 
For THE Ferrets!  ALWAYS.
[Posted in FML issue 3822]