This is an upcoming event coordinating with a couple of other small animal rescues in Connecticut. Sorry I haven't had a chance to dive into the discussion on ferret shelter issues. Having been "around" as a shelter over 15 years now, I do have some thoughts on the subject (and those who know me personally know I usually manage to have lots to say on a lot of topices! LOL) But personal time constraints right now just don't give me the chance to jump in with my 2 cents worth. But as a member of the ferret community, I urge ferret shelters to reach out to other species shelters in their geographical regions. The problems we face are very much the same even if the needs of the species we care for differ. Burnout, lack of funding, lack of volunteers etc. While an online network is invaluable, having a local network of similarly situated folk who may be caring for bunnies, or gerbils, or hamsters or gp's - snakes, lizards or birds can be useful. Most are either privately operated and may/may not be federal non-profits. But they do share the same local laws and regulations. Some of these groups may be in different stages in the evolution of their shelter/s. You can learn and you can teach. It's a super opportunity to revitalize and SHARE RESOURCES and energy! But I digress... -- Ann Gruden - President, Ferret Assn of CT --------------------------- Permission to cross post the following: Small Animal Rescue Open House Announced In a first-ever event of its kind in this state, several small/exotic animal rescues are coming together to do an open house/education exhibit to raise awareness about the neglect, abandonment, and abuse of small animals. The event will include guinea pigs, hedgehogs, ferrets, and rabbits (and potentially others). Organized by The Critter Connection, other confirmed participants include F.A.C.T. <http://www.ferret-fact.org/> (ferrets) and the Hedgehog Welfare Society <http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/>. Other rescues are expected to be confirmed before the event date. The event is scheduled for *Saturday, September 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Newington Petco*. We hope you'll come out to visit us and meet these hard-working rescues. If you know anyone who is contemplating adopting a pet from one of the represented species, please encourage them to come talk to the rescues and get some advice and guidance! /The Critter Connection, Inc./ <http://www.ctguineapigrescue.org/> [Posted in FML issue 5344]