I wrote (RE: Chere's post): >I hope that I am reading your post correctly, but while HSUS (Humane >Society of the United States) is considered a moderate and respected animal >welfare organization that has done well in promoting animal welfare/rights, >it isn't the same as the "local" Humane Society (a common misconception). >To my knowledge, HSUS doesn't run any shelters. If someone else has >documentation otherwise, I would appreciate being notified. Thanks. Alicia wrote: >As a former participant / speaker at HSUS EXPO on the ferret sheltering >platform I want to clarify - or attempt to clarify this for you Sandy. No, >HSUS does NOT run any shelters. They are in fact an umbrella organization >who spearhead / coordinate educational, informational campaigns to aid >those who do run shelters. Who is Sandy? I guess I read Chere's post incorrectly (as you appeared to misread my name - it happens). Hope you aren't upset with me about this - it's hard to tell from the letter. Mostly, I was just clarifying that HSUS doesn't run shelters, that it is an animal welfare/rights organization. You are of course correct that they perform as an educational organization, but they do do a lot more. I would love to attend the EXPO, but unfortunately, I am in clinical rotations 5-6 days a week right now caring for my patients - what little free time I have, I give to my family. HSUS is an interesting organization and I found this information at: http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/shelter_info/general_public/index.html >The HSUS is proud to join the thousands of animal shelters around the >country in working to promote the humane treatment of animals. While many >people believe that The HSUS is a parenting or governing organization for >local animal shelters, especially those with the name "Humane Society," >we actually do not operate or oversee any animal shelters or have any >legal control over them. Each is an independent organization, governed >by its own bylaws and board of directors (in the case of private humane >organizations), or local ordinances >and officials (in the case of >municipal animal care and control agencies). > >The HSUS does, however, work closely with these agencies in a variety of >ways. We provide guidelines, recommendations, and advice on shelter >operations, policies and procedures. We publish our award-winning >bimonthly magazine, Animal Sheltering, which features information about >new and innovative programs, materials, and resources. Every February, >The HSUS hosts the premier international educational conference and trade >show for animal sheltering professionals, Animal Care Expo. I never found anything about money changing hands, but they do appear to be very helpful from an educational point of view. Interestingly, I even met Andrew Rowan once at the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research meeting in Boston. ****************************** Sean D. Sawyer V'00 University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine [log in to unmask] ****************************** [Posted in FML issue 2580]