Okay: sequence of events (and let's keep names completely out if it
because that settles things faster):
 
1. The upcoming FML calendar was announced.  It wasn't realized how
many people here are new to the FML and don't even know what SOS is,
plus haven't found the archives to look things up.  The announcement
was from an actually SOS person so let's call that group of hard
working volunteers "A".
 
2. Someone, who apparently didn't know the background of what has been
tried (but has not worked) in the past wrote to the FML with questions.
The way the post was written could have called tone into question,
depending on how it was read.  Let's call people with questions "B".
I think that perhaps some "B" people assumed this was a "for profit"
venture, which could not be further from the truth.
 
3. Another person, perhaps a shelter person whose burden has been
lightened by the SOS, perhaps a donor to the SOS, perhaps both replied.
The way the post was written could have called tone into question,
depending on how it was read.  Let's call this person and other non-SOS
representatives who respond in defense of SOS "C" (which I guess is where
I fit into the picture, too, now that I am actually saying something).
 
4. An "A" group person wrote in a wonderful clarification explaining
why the calendar work is organized as it is.
 
5. A "B" group person then wrote in.  The problem with that letter is
that this particular person blamed an actual SOS representative ("A")
for the words of someone in group "C" over whom SOS has no control.
 
Okay, let's get to what is more important and constructive, because
honestly, except for the announcement, the questions themselves, and
the explanation most of what has gone on has not been constructive.
 
First: the SOS is a VOLUNTEER GROUP which has been in existence of MANY
YEARS TO HELP FERRET SHELTERS.  I don't recall when it was formed but
here's a thank you letter it received via the FML in 1998:
 
http://listserv.cuny.edu/Scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9806&L=FERRET-SEARCH&P=R26849
and another of the same year:
http://listserv.cuny.edu/Scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9806&L=FERRET-SEARCH&P=R26849
as samples to show that these volunteers have been helping others --
without pay, without benefits other than the thank-yous they get and
the knowledge that they have helped others and made the world a better
place -- for a very long time.
 
You can find Support Our Shelters at
http://listserv.cuny.edu/Scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9806&L=FERRET-SEARCH&P=R26849
 
Notice that it also helps people find ferret vets as well as contribute
through ferret vets directly so that it is sure that moneys are not
misapplied.
 
Notice, too, that these fine volunteers went through the long and tedious
process of becoming 5019(c) so that donors can give through their charity
and be able to take a tax deduction in the U.S.  (which can not be
legally done with non-501(c) groups).
 
A very quick rough count shows about 120 to 140 shelters listed by SOS so
that they can be helped by direct contributors and by donations through
the SOS.
 
In ADDITION to all of that work the SOS volunteers also run various
projects designed to bring in yet more money to help ferrets: card
exchanges, contests, calendars, auctions, etc.  We are talking about a
huge amount of work to help thousands of ferrets who these kind people
will likely never meet, as well as the many shelter operators who already
shoulder a huge burden, and the people who will adopt these ferrets in
need.
 
SOS IS PART OF THE SOLUTION!
 
Never forget that.  While you are recalling that do remember that
they have worked their tails off to find the most effective route
to achieve their goals, so know that things like the calendar photo
competition/contest are based upon what they have learned by actually
doing these good deeds over a large number of years.
 
So, Peace on List.  I understand that no one meant to accidently inject
a fight here, but that has happened and it distracts from a WONDERFUL
CHARITY WHICH WAS HOME GROWN RIGHT HERE ON THE FML YEARS AGO.  So,
please, learn, take 10 deep breaths, maybe try sending things privately
to the principal people if they could be read as combative, and PLEASE,
HELP THE SOS AND SHELTERS!
 
-- Sukie (not a vet)
Ferret Health List
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 4940]