Ferret Guy wrote: >I feel for all those unfortunate people and then I have to look in the >mirror and see a rescue and shelter that has rescued thousands of ferrets >over the years that hasn't rec'd even one donation since 9-11-01. I think >of all the other shelters that have gone into obscuruty because of the >disaster and think of how many of them are lacking in donation, not only >now, next week and next month and on and on. As a shelter, I think I have the right to say this: Ferret guy - you are out of line with this. I am a shelter too. I have dug in and done my best to make my shelter self supporting so that I don't have to dig in my pockets and so that I don't have to beg for donations. I accept them gladly and I thank each and every person who gives of themselves to the shelter with a letter acknowledging the gift. And it is a gift - someone gave to the shelter without being asked or told. But this post is just wrong. Almost 6,400 people lost their lives in the WTC towers and another almost 200 in the Pentagon. Some families lost their only means of support - husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons - gone forever. You are still here and your sole means of support is intact. You should feel lucky that you and your family were not personally touched by a loss. So many more were. People are donating to the Sept. 11 fund because they feel helpless - maybe they live in the midwest and can't drive to NY or DC to help - but they want to do *something* - and donating money is how they are helping. Don't slam people for wanting to be part of the healing process! Do you think by grousing about not getting donations you are going shame folks into giving? The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea" has asked since Sept. 12 that all donations be deferred instead to the WTC and Pentagon disaster relief funds. Its posted on my main page. We will continue to ask that until Oct 12, when the addresses will be removed, but not the ribbon. We must never forget - so that it never happens again. Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea" www.ferrethaven.org [Posted in FML issue 3559]