This morning, I opened my inbox to find several responses to my post about
the cancelled rescue.  I must say, many apparently felt as my husband and
I did, that the way the information was presented was inappropriate and
not necessary.  Two people emailed me and told me that they would have
donated to the efforts IF it did not appear to be so much of a squabble
between Lisa and the shelter owner (Carol Mcrae).  I don't know about the
rest of you, but I feel this is truly unfortunate.
 
I don't know Lisa, personally, and I am quite sure she loves ferrets and
does as much as she humanly can to help them out.  My post was not a bash
on her, just more of me questioning what happened since Lisa got so many
riled up with her emotional announcement.  Again, I don't know her, I can
only speak from what I experienced at the symposium.
 
My recommendation to other shelter operators who felt that the way the
information was presented by Lisa was ok, please remember that the rest
of us are not shelter operators and may not understand the anguish or
contempt that occurs between shelter operators.  Unfortunately, in this
situation, the ferrets lost out because at least two people have stated to
me that they decided not to donate to the rescue efforts because of how
Lisa presented the information.  Certainly, I would have been upset if
someone tried to dump ferrets on me when I am not even there.  Certainly,
I would be (and am)upset about ferrets living in horrible conditions.
However, the way you present the information impacts how much credibility
and support you will get as a result.
 
Let me state, again, I do not know Lisa personally, so those friends of
hers that are ready to blast me, step back and consider what I have said.
I am sure she is very helpful and loves ferrets but her announcement would
have been more effective is she left the personal attacks out of it.
 
I hope those ferrets in question are getting good care.  It worries me.
 
My two cents.
 
[Moderator's note: Well, I for one, don't care about the politics.  If the
ferrets need help I don't give a rat's ass about the politics behind the
request -- we're here to help the ferrets not to take sides in what may
or may not be a political squabble.  I agree that perhaps it was not best
method of phrasing it, but that's an ENTIRELY different issue -- FERRETS
FIRST.  I think Lisa will have more to say about this, but basically all
monies collected went to SOS so ferrets in need will benefit regardless
of the status of that particular emergency, though donors who can be
identified are being asked if they'd like their donation returned.
 
P.S.  No offense intended to rats' asses.  I have nothing against them
actually.  Not as nice as ferret butts, but hey... :-) BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 3689]