Here is a copy of the email I have forwarded to Mr. Keith Schopp, Purina Public Relations _____ From: Diane Wall [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 1:47 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Discontinuance of ProPlan Turkey & Barley Huge Impact on Ferret Shelters & Rescues Dear Mr. Schopp (Purina Public Relations Representative): I am writing today to you to follow up on my telephone conversation with the ProPlan Customer Information Center. After visiting my local PetsMart and PetCo stores for my weekly purchase of the ProPlan Turkey and Barley dry cat food, I was woefully informed that Purina has discontinued the production of this product. What a shock, as a ferret shelter operator, I have used this product faithfully for many years as well as all of the other ferret owners I know. We routinely recommend purchasing this product for all new ferret owners, MSPCA's and Animal Rescue Leagues. This specific combination of the Turkey & Barley works wonders for ferrets with various medical challenges including food allergies, (the turkey and rice just isn't affective). Ferrets specifically need a high protein food and with the protein in this specific product at 40% with 16% fat content is highly effective for us. Perhaps Purina is aware that ferrets are now the number three most popular companion pet in the United States having significant consumer purchasing opportunities. Presently there is quite a discussion taking place on both nationally and internationally on line with the ferret shelter operators and ferret owners through both the FML (Ferret Mailing List) and Ferret Health Digest commenting specifically on the discontinuance of this product and how absolutely panic stricken we are on the number of ferrets whose ailments will likely turn fatal once this food is no longer available. We are quite discouraged that Purina would discontinue this product with no viable replacement and almost no notice. Would Purina consider either continuing this product given the facts and significant ferret customer volume of purchasing this product or taking the ingredients of this product and remarketing as a ferret food? I have attached a picture of ferrets eating ground up Turkey & Barley ProPlan and warm water, as you can see it's what they love to eat. Please reply at your earliest convenience. If you would like to post a reply to this issue on line (to reply to ferret shelter operators and thousands of owners nationally and internationally) The Ferret Mailing List, Moderator: Bill Gruber, [log in to unmask] and The Ferret Health Digest: [log in to unmask] Sincerely, Diane C. Wall South Shore Ferret Care Massachusetts <http://www.maferrets.org/> [Posted in FML issue 5266]