I too have been confused about this whole "rescue" (I am putting it in quotes because I still haven't heard it stated whether these ferrets were purchased!). This is being discussed all over the ferret community and many of us have questions. I decided to try to compile the most common questions I am hearing. For everyone's peace of mind, they should be answered by Lori, or an authorized representative. * Were the ferrets purchased? If so, how many and for how much money? (this IS the business of the ferret community because donations were requested) * What agreement, if any, was made with Doug McKay and/or his family on future ferret breeding? Is it an enforceable contract? I too was confused by the "accounting" in yesterday's FML. Lori wrote: >It is averaging $100 a ferret in vet bills alone: this includes >distemper, rabies, coccidia test, ADV test and having them >spay/neutered. * Why is this being claimed by Lori as an expense ? It is my understanding that the receiving shelters were footing the bills for vacs, vet checks, desexing, ADV testing, etc. According to Lori, the majority of the $33,000 was spent on "initial setup of cages (water bottles, food cups etc.) ferret food, cleaning supplies, water, electric, phone, plumbing for water faucet, rental of U-haul, gas, meals for workers, and labor (because there was not enough volunteers to keep up with the upkeep of the ferrets)." I know cages were donated/purchased by others. I know lots of bedding and supplies were donated. I know lots of food was donated. Based on this, and since so many of the ferrets left that facility within a few days, this amount is mind-boggling. * Would you PLEASE give a detailed accouting for this $33,000? And, how much of this $33,000 was in salaries for paid employees? It was stated by Lori early on that she couldn't disclose any details on the "rescue" with a lawsuit pending. She further said that she would provide all details when the lawsuit was over. Well, it's been announced that the lawsuit has been dropped. * When are the details of this "rescue" forthcoming? I "think" I remember initially that there were to be 800+ ferrets. I recall the initial number was around 600 with a planned second trip to get a couple of hundred more. Now the final number is below 600. * Can you account for the different numbers of ferrets reported? * Is the difference what the family kept to continue breeding? As for accounting for the money, any non-profit is required to keep an accounting of all funds coming in, and all funds going out, with supporting documentation. This should be an easy thing to produce for anyone who requests it. It seems that someone could put up a simple website showing this. I found this statement to be very insensitive to all of the shelters and individuals who stepped up to the plate so willingly, and who haven't seen the first dime in donations. "If I receive more funds then expenses the profit will get divided up between the other shelters that took the kids. Good news, Ferret's Dream House is a 501(C)(3) organization and is tax deductible." So many unanswered questions. So much speculation. So many rumors. So many secrets. It all leaves a bad taste in many people's mouths. People will remember this the next time someone comes to the ferret community asking for help. Don't ruin it for future rescues. Please take a little time and answer some questions. [Posted in FML 5810]