First of all - thanks to BIG and all the fine folks that have sent me wonderful messages on this subject. >From: Anne Ryan <[log in to unmask]> >You still haven't answered my question. That is because BIG posted an old submission from me - it was being held up. so no - I didn't answer ANY of your questions. >What happens if someone who bought a ferret from you has to give it up? >Or is that just the problem of whatever shelter takes it in? They are returned to my family (ferret folks themselves) and they will keep them - or make further arrangements. It is no way the responsibility of another shelter. That is why when I was transferred I didn't dump my ferrets on a shelter (one shelter took in 2 that I could not place - the shelter mum there knows who she is and I am truly grateful). They are my responsibility. >How about responsible breeding? Breeders who do not agree to take back >any ferret who's life they have created are no better than the >institutional wholesale breeders. Exactly my beliefs. Again - my family has willingly made arrangements to take any ferrets that may need to be given back. If I could - I would have taken them with me (and ship any to me that need to come to me), but Australia does not allow any imports - and hasn't since the early 1900's. >Not all shelters breed. Many use adoption fees, turn-in fees, >raffles/sale of items, and their own money to pay the bills. Most shelters >never ask for funds on the FML, except to be listed on the SOS list. Right - most shelters do not breed. But many breeders shelter. I feel you can't breed without sheltering. This is just my opinion. We never charged a turn in fee as most of our ferrets taken in were going to be dumped on the HS or Animal Control - which is free to turn in. Our placement fees were reasonable and the only outside money we got was from a "game" we had at a few shows. We were on the SOS list (and currently are). And I never asked for the bill to be paid - I only asked to be thought of when folks were donating. (from issue 2924) >From: Anne Ryan <[log in to unmask]> >While I strongly urge people to send donations to the shelter of their >choice, I would equally strongly discourage bailing out a breeder who >left a vet bill when they left the country. Apparently you were not aware that I also ran a shelter. Well, I did, and the outstanding bill was on that account - under Weasel Watcher Ferret Rescue. You can ring my vet for verification. >She has already contacted several breeders about buying new breeding stock >from her. Really? I made a post to a breeding list stating that I was expecting some ferrets. I also stated that I could ship to the US - as do other breeders not in the US - and to watch for my kits. Not a "hey - send me your names, get on my list, etc". Just that I was excited about them and to watch for them. >pay her existing vet bills, instead of running a beg-a-thon on the FML. Again - I didn't beg - I asked to be thought of. I am sure if BIG thought it was not called for her would not have posted it. >From: dcferret <[log in to unmask]> >if you had an outstanding balance and then had $60 in your pocket, you use >that $60 to put toward the balance that you owe. I see that I have been >doing it all wrong. You are supposed to put out a plea for help and have >others pay the ENTIRE balance for you, so that you can spend your $60 >buying some more because they are cheap. I was always taught that you >only purchased more (no matter the cost) after you paid for the first one. Apparently you missed that fact that the ferrets I got were GIVEN to me. Meaning I didn't PAY for them. And - yes I have been making payments. Although with currency exchange, mail, etc, it make it difficult. >From: feretrus <[log in to unmask]> >I am just posting to expess my opinion. I had e-mailed Amy when this >originally happened and she did e-mail me back kindly. Opinion respected. Amy Flemming Flemming Farms Perth, Western Australia http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/9521 [Posted in FML issue 2927]