I had quite the experience yesterday and feel the need to share with you all. I have been having problems with a certain 'shelter operator', which hit an all-time high yesterday. I will not post the name of this person here on this list as I don't see it necessary to bash people publicly. If anyone is still concerned after reading my account below, please contact me privately. Let me bring you up to speed on the developments so far. Brief History: My ferrets were boarded for 10 days by said 'shelter operator'. The ferrets returned to me in horrible condition and suffering from GI distress. Months later I find out that this 'shelter' does not vaccinate for distemper nor test for ADV. I subsequently FREAK OUT, run tests, contact the 'shelter' to verify this and contact local Animal Control about the situation. The 'shelter operator' and I have been exchanging emails for some time now. This person has confirmed to me that the ferrets in their care are not vaccinated for distemper due to lack of funds and the fact that it is not required by law. Also, since none of the ferrets show signs of illness then they are obviously ADV negative and there is no need to test. And of course, my ferrets were never allowed to play with the others so there would be no transmition of disease possible. OK, so now you see what I'm dealing with? Proceed to yesterday: This person has the GALL to call my vet and ask about my ferrets medical conditions and vaccination and ADV test history. If this person thought for a minute they would realize that a vet is not going to release medical records over the phone to a third party. The 'shelter operator' explains to the office manager at my vet's office that we are having an argument and she is worried about the state of my ferrets. The office manager immediately calls me at work to tell me what has happened. I was FURIOUS. She asks me to explain the situation. I simply tell her that this person runs a 'shelter' but does not provide routine distemper vacc's or test for ADV. Well, that was enough. If this person decided to try and call my vet's office again, they will be in for quite a surprise. While I was FUMING, I decided to carry through with the suggestions from Animal Control to file a consumer protection complaint with the Attorney General and to write to the Zoning Board. That's it, I'm through trying to be diplomatic. I'm really concerned about the ferrets in this 'shelter'. I have no idea how many there are, and the 'shelter operator' will not provide me with that information or allow anyone in to see the ferrets. I have been told by this person that there is one ferret that needs adrenal surgery and that is why the shelter can't afford vacc's or ADV tests. I realize that expenses are rough on a shelter, but come on. This person claims to run a rescue and can't even provide routine care? Sounds like those ferrets at the shelter need rescuing. I want to warn everyone who is looking to board their ferrets that no matter what your impression is of someone, PLEASE write to the FML or another ferret board and ask if anyone has had experience boarding ferrets with the person. There are almost 3000 people who receive this mailing list and I'm sure that you will get answers if the person has ever taken care of other ferrets and your ferrets will thank you for it. Thanks for 'listening'. Ingrid [Posted in FML issue 3899]