Part 1 9/18/03 This was too long the first time so here it is in two parts.. [I combined them into one here. BIG] It is currently 8:42 p.m. Wed. evening Florida time. CLARIFICATIONS: This rescue is, thus far, going smoothly. I am unsure why I have gotten messages stating the opposite. Things are as under control as I believe they can be considering the situation. The out pouring of help is making this possible, doable, and manageable. So, rest easy- the bottom is not falling out and all is well. Again, WE are NOT closing!!! Just to be sure that is clear. Next, a new rumor or something has started stating that there are 100 ferrets in Cocoa, Florida that have been seized and are to be euthanized tomorrow. I have no idea where these folks came from or who they are that started this- but this is VERY untrue!! I spoke with Marie and all is good still. I find it hard to believe there are two large groups on the west coast of Florida that need help- and thus, I think these folks are simply just misunderstanding the situation. We are rescuing ferrets from Titusville, Florida. NOT COCOA BEACH. I am not sure where the Cococa beach fact came from and it may have even been me in the very beginning- but I thought I had clarified that. If not-- please correct this on any board, site, etc. For sake of a name we are calling this rescue the Titusville Rescue. There are no ferrets needing mass rescue, that we are aware of, in Cocoa Beach Florida. We have helpers trying to clear this up. LEGAL ACTION- please discontinue these posts and e-mails to me. So far no legal action is being taken and very well may not be. The focus of (my) energies and time are being sent on getting these ferrets to a safer, more secure place. I am NOT the one to make those decisions and calls as I do not live in the area and am not as familiar with the facts... So please no more flames ect. in this regard. I have no idea if pictures have been or will be taken and again, this is not my area of concentration nor control.. Ok- I think that's the latest on the misconceptions going on out there. NEEDS: Transporters are still needed. If you are in the area and can not transport but can come and help that is still a plus as we need bodies to set up carriers and put ferrets in them and get trucks loaded etc. Please e-mail me under the cover of TRANSPORT HELP and I will e-mail you directions to here (Orlando) and to Titusville. Over planning is better than under planning to us. [Part 2] After the weekend is over and we know EXACTELY what we are looking at- we will have a special web page set up and will include where donations can be sent as far as our vet's office, United, etc. We will also know what further supplies will be needed. As stated earlier, any carriers and water bottles that can get to us by early Friday morning well be needed. Kitten Chow or the popular Wal- Mart kitten food is great. I think we have most every other base covered through the weekend as far as supplies go... The ferrets will all be staying here, at ferrets-N-Limbo for at least 2 - 3 weeks. This will give us ample time to asses each ferrets' needs, establish any special parings/groups that are bonded, ADV test, vaccinate the healthy, and strengthen the weak. It also will give the ferrets time to recoup from the hardships they have had, learn to run and play, acclimate normal life, etc. etc. After that isolation and observation time has past, than we will begin arranging transport for these ferrets to other shelters and screening for forever homes. If shelters in other states are able and willing to take in these ferrets, please contact Ferrets Across America as they will be coordinating those efforts. We have gotten much argument about ADV testing. We appreciate everyone's input and opinions. I am glad to live in a country where we all get to have our own opinions and are not forced to agree. ADV testing is and always will be our policy. Funds will be begged for to go towards this effort, but it will be done. No, we do not have a wide spread problem with ADV in Florida, yet I, for one, do not WANT an ADV epidemic in Florida. That said, we will not be testing any ferrets that are compromised. This point may have been made in a previous posting, but I am still getting questions on it. Any ferret that is obviously ill, dehydrated, emaciated, etc. will not be tested or vaccinated until healthy enough to withstand it. These ferrets have all been living in close quarters for a very long time. If we do not test a select few yet the results all come back the same on those we do test- we can all feel confident that the entire group will test the same... Please, this is our policy and what we believe in. It is a financial burden but if it can be achieved via donations etc. it will be.. Hopefully, that's everything. If I missed anything, I will try to post again tomorrow. If I have missed any calls or e-mails I sincerely apologize and am trying to catch up. If you feel the need- please resend any questions etc. E-mail is by far the better option considering the hours I work (at my actual paying job. LOL) With love, respect, and thanks to the entire ferret community, Michelle Alverson, President Ferrets-N-Limbo, Inc. A Non-Profit, 501(c)(3) organization 407-869-6981 [log in to unmask] http://www.Ferrets-N-Limbo.org PO Box 161432 Altamonte Springs, Fl 32716-1432 [Posted in FML issue 4275]