Hi everyone! This will probably seem somewhat odd and isn't a situation I'd ever though I'd have to deal with. The problem is too much education, if there could actually be such a thing. I run a ferret shelter and like most shelters, I like to do everything possible to ensure that the ferrets I adopt out are going to the best possible homes. We do our best to "get the word out" in our area that we are here and have very loving ferrets in need of good homes. People looking to adopt usually find us on the internet, through their vet's office, local pet store, or through word of mouth. The word of mouth is where the problem may be. Up until recently if someone was looking for a ferret shelter they were just given our number and they would call us and go through our adoption process. I'd be able to speak with them and get a feel for what knowledge or experience they might have had. Now there is a new "helper" in our area who will refer adopters to us but only after they have "educated" them. Silly as this may sound, this has become a problem for me. For example; If they've had ferrets in the past and haven't provided proper care for them. Normally this discussion would be with me and I'd know from them the extent of the improper care. Was it just a lack of information about proper nutrition? or did they euthanize because suddenly the ferret went bald and they thought it was some strange disease? Now I get a probable adopter who seems to just tell me what they think I want to hear. They've been, well, re-programmed, if you will. The answers I get aren't their answers, but someone else's. I rely heavily on my instincts when I do adoptions. If someone tells me that they kept their last ferret on cedar shavings and I correct them, I like to see how well received this correction is. Do they really seem to understand that this shouldn't be done and why? or are they nodding their head at me while their eyes go blank and squinty with what they perceive as a criticism? Are they saying "that's good to know" while their eyes are saying "butt out"? Education is one of the best things we can do for the ferrets. I'm beginning to feel that it may not be the best thing we can do for the ferret shelter. I'm not sure what the solution may be or if there is one. I do not want to discourage education in any shape or form but I find myself not wanting to adopt because of the interaction with these people that I've been denied. An interaction that I feel is a crucial part of the adoption process. I've considered discussing my concerns with the new "helper" but have found from past experience that any dissension or perceived disagreement toward their beliefs or practices isn't well tolerated. Especially if those practices or beliefs were initiated by their "founder." Well, anyhow, thank you all for listening. I'd like to ask that any comments on this post be copied to my private e-mail in addition to being sent to the list. I'm afraid the busy life of the shelter (not to mention my full time job) leave me little time. A direct message will be read more quickly than the list. No offense BIG :)~ Take care! Sharon [Posted in FML issue 3492]