Ferret Shelter News

Got a spare $4300 and other musings

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Well that is how much we owe Avon Lake Animal Clinic. Thank God Dr. Krupka trusts the shelter for payment, or there would be many ferrets that wouldn't have gotten life saving surgeries and treatment.

All of the shelter kids got their yearly check up, we have several that need surgery, and dental work, but we need to pay down our bill first. Dr. Krupka isn't the one who said that, I am.

It scares me when the bill climbs that high, I don't have a credit card to put it on anymore (I cut it up), and if the shelter cannot make good on it, I have to, it is the right thing to do.

There is no way to make people understand (unless they have been in that spot) how it feels to know that you have an emergency on your hands with your beloved pet, and the funds aren't there to pay for it. It is sad and heartbreaking. That is one reason why I encourage people to start a "Pet Emergency Fund".

Open a savings account, or even a pay pal account, and every pay put or transfer $5 a week into it, $10 a week would be even better, but sometimes that $5 can put enough gas in the tank to get you back and forth to work for a day or two. If you can make it an automatic transfer, all the better, if you don't see that $5 or $10 in your account, you don't miss it.

If you are lucky you will go a year or two with no huge emergencies or needed surgeries. In a year you will have saved $260 to $520 for emergencies. If you go two years with out one, you have anywhere from $520 to $1040, depending on how much you save per week. That small amount can make the difference of life and death for your pet, and save your budget.

We could use donations, it is a typical political year, no one knows what is going to happen, they are guarded about their funds, and you really cannot blame any person for that, you have to watch out for your family and future. We are very grateful for any help we receive.

Things are a changing here too. We need ten more foster homes. If you think you would like to foster click here and fill out the foster application

The only real string is that the ferrets need to go to our vet for us to accept the responsibility of medical costs, and we can work out a pick up drop off situation for that. Oh yeah, and the point of fostering is they do get adopted, so the foster parent can take in another ferret that needs a home.

Things are tough all over, and I have to face it, 1) I am getting older and 2) I need to work full time to pay the bills that have been racked up over the years both personal (remember that cancer thing? I need health insurance) and shelter that the shelter cannot cover.

Funny, I had hoped by this time the shelter would have it's building, and my husband and I could be in a place a bit smaller and have our privacy back. But, as it is with many other things, the timing wasn't right, but that doesn't mean we have given up on the building. We have to take a step back, reorganize, regroup, and go for it. (One reason we put in place a new Board of Directors, and we have a great group that want to see the shelter make it independent of me).

You are going to start seeing other people involved more, the shelter too often is thought of hand and hand with me. I am Jean, a person. I am not the shelter. My living or dying should not have any bearing on the continuation of the shelter fulfilling a vital role in Northern Ohio.

Fostering is one way to show people that this shelter can continue. It is a way to show foundations we do have support and people who are willing to become involved.

So become involved. Foster! Donate! Attend fund raisers (even if they don't appeal to you, they are fun and you meet some great people, besides we have great raffles.)

I owe a great deal of thanks to many people who have helped the shelter in the past, those who are helping the shelter grow and continue to support the shelter in the present, and to those who will help and support the shelter in the future.

Thank you all.

New Directions, growing pains

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:35:00 +0000

Well, the shelter has been growing, and it has been a difficult road and we have tossed the idea of fosters homes around, alot.

Our first experience with foster homes wasn't the best, the foster family didn't want to adopt out the ferrets, and they didn't want to adopt the ferrets. The second experience wasn't much better. The foster family was bringing their ferrets to the vet and saying they were the foster ferrets, and the shelter ended up paying for the vet bills.

But we think we found a way around it, and are jumping into the foster home idea feet first. There is an foster application, which when our web mistress will be putting up on our website so you can apply on line.

If you really cannot wait for her to put it on the web site, email shelter@ferretsunlimited.org and put foster application in the subject. I will email you the application, and please fill it out in entirely, send it back, and we'll go from there.

Foster Application

Our Bowling Fundraiser - A GREAT Success & Fun too!

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:28:00 +0000

Well, now if you didn't make it to our Bowling Fund Raiser, you missed out on some great fun.

There was plenty of food, no one went away hungry. The pizza, salad, dessert, wings and deviled eggs were great.

There was non stop bowling (well it stopped for food), and even bumper bowling! Lots of old friends, lots of new friends and terrific door prizes.

The Chinese Raffles were awesome. There was a wonderful basket of DVD's and a four pack of hockey tickets donated by WNCX, a basket that had Otter Ale, and Fat Weasel Ale. Oh and the Cat House!! Literally, a cat house! Full of toys! Several dog baskets, a couple cat baskets, ferret baskets, bath baskets, and more.

We even had a polar bear and wolf come bowl with us.

Mary Meszar and the employees at Meszar's Lanes out did themselves with the event, and everyone was so friendly and helpful. (Even the young man that was there, and was wearing his pants to show off his underwear - I asked him to pull his pants up and he did, and kept them up the entire event).

If you missed this bowling event, make sure you make it to the next one!!

Keep your eye open for our next fund raiser in April. A Beer Tasting. Featuring Micro Brews, food and more!

Ferret Art, Celtic Art, Custom Coloring Books

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:09:00 +0000

You really need to check out Deva's work. She has some really awesome stuff, and does incredible Celtic Knot work.

Now no one has an excuse not to send ferret cards, because with her clip art you can design your own and personalize them.

Deva is a long time ferret lover and shelter supporter. She donates her artwork to benefit all shelters, and donates to SOS (Support Our Shelters).

So, for the ferret lover in your life, give them the gift of ferret fonts, or cute ferret clip art.

And for those Scotts out there, those drums are beautiful! Hey, send her link to those you know in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism).

http://www.deva-arts.com/

Good Bye Ol' Blue. Then end of an era

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:19:00 +0000

Old blue, our weasel wagon is up on EBay. She need lots of work to become safe and road worthy, and right now the shelter need funding.

It is sad for me. Over 900 ferrets have ridden in that mini van, even a few people too. That van has been to many shows, fund raisers, vet office visits, supply runs. One time we had it one third of the way up the sides with Feline Pine bags, 500 or so pounds of it.

Day after Christmas back in 97, 98 - can't remember. We did a rescue out of Detroit. Forty one ferrets fit in that van in cages with hammocks, food bowls, water bowls, bottles, bedding and litter boxes.

I can't tell you how many thousands of pounds of food got hauled in that van, or how many times on long trips I stopped in rest areas to take a nap.

Sounds like I am saying good bye to a friend doesn't it? Well, I am. I purchased Old Blue for the shelter from the company I used to work for, they took payments from my check. The first thing that I did was get rid of all of the passenger seating. Only one passenger, and the driver. After all, I wasn't going to haul people around.

I put 25,000 miles on her in less than one year driving all over creation for ferrets. She only left me stranded once. But there were no animals with me, and it was only 1/2 mile from home.

I miss driving her to the vet, it is so easy to get a travel cage in and out of a mini van, I never used carriers for that, always had nice cages, that got taken out and put on a dolly. That way if I had to leave them over night, they had their very own little cage with bedding they had slept in.

Yeah, I miss driving her. She had just enough power to go, and keep me out of trouble (I have a lead foot at times).

But the shelter needs funds, and she needs repairs, more than we can afford, so hopefully someone buys her that will give her a good home and appreciate her.

1991 Chevrolet Lumina

Reminder, Bowling Fundraiser Sunday, Jan. 13

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Just a quick reminder, the Bowling Fundraiser is Sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Tickets purchased before the event are $20 for adults, kids 6 to 11 are $10. Tickets purchased at the door will be $25 for adults, and $15 for the children. Children 5 and under are free.

The location is: Meszar’s Lanes 4231 Fulton Rd Cleveland, OH 44144-1866 .

Your ticket price will include: Open bowling, shoe rental, pizza, salad, dessert, wings, a pop. (There will be a reduced price cash bar). We will also have Chinese raffles, door prizes and lots of fun.

For ticket information or general questions please call 216/351-4694. Elaine or Sarah will be happy to help you.

Remember the Fulton Road Bridge is under construction, so you will have to take the detours, or plan your route accordingly.

Map

Last year we had a blast, and all are welcome, both ferret folk and non ferret folk. Feel free to spread the word far and wide!!

Bowling Benefit, January 13, 2008

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:38:00 +0000

Please mark your calendars for January 13, 2008. We are having a bowing benefit at Meszar’s Lanes 4231 Fulton Rd Cleveland, OH 44144-1866 . From 4:00 PM to 8 PM. Open bowling, pizza, raffles, door prizes and lots of fun. Cash bar with reduced prices.

Ticket prices are: $25 at the door for adult, $20.00 pre paid by January 8. Kids from 6 to 11 are $15 at the door, pre paid $10.00. For ticket information please call 216/351-4694. Elaine or Sarah will be happy to help you.

Remember the Fulton Road Bridge is under construction, so you will have to take the detours, or plan your route accordingly.

Map

Last year we had a blast, and all are welcome, both ferret folk and non ferret folk.

Feel free to spread the word far and wide!!

A frequent comment I have heard of late "You know I could really use a tax deduction this year".

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:39:00 +0000

To that I say, "We could really use a donation!" But unfortunately there are a few people that think because they know the shelter, or me, or they have donated food, paper towels, or even money that they can get a tax receipt for more than what the donation is for.

I am sorry, we can't give you a receipt for more than the items are worth or what the donation is. We just cannot do that. If your donation is $20 in paper towels, that is what your receipt is for. If you make a donation of $20.00 that is what your receipt is for. The same is for bedding. New bedding is what the retail price price paid. For used bedding, you can get a tax receipt, but it can't be more than the used bedding is worth.

That being said, there are 12 more tax receipts to send out. If you have donated and haven't received one, email shelter@ferretsunlimited.org let us know what you donated, we'll check against our list, and send out duplicate. (it will have duplicate put on the receipt) I have 8 tax receipts that the Post Office returned, so if you have moved, please contact us.

If you have donated through paypal or Google check out, your receipt from the process is your tax receipt, and you should have received a thank you via email, again, if you have not, please let us know so we can see what happened.

So, if you need a tax deduction, we sure could use the donation. You can mail it up to December 31!

But please, do not alter your receipt, or ask for one for more than what the item was worth or the amount of the donation. If either you or the shelter was audited, that would spell big trouble for both, and be the death of the shelter.

Happy New Year to all!! Please, be careful if you plan to celebrate ringing in the New Year. May your futures be filled with laughter, good health for you and your pets, and prosperity abound.

Borders Books Gift Wrapping Sunday Dec. 23

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:56:00 +0000

All day long, from open till close, Ferrets Unlimited's Board memebers, volunteers, ferret lovers and owners will be wrapping your Christmas presents.

We will be at: Borders Books, 17200 Royalton RdStrongsville, OH 44136 Phone: 440.846.1144View Map . Come shop and say hi!!

We'll be there the whole day, and the store is open till midnight!!

HELP NEEDED DECEMBER 23 BORDERS BOOKS STRONGVILLE GIFT WRAP

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:00:00 +0000

If you have a few hours you can spend at Borders in Strongsville, on December 23, we sure can use your help.

Email: shelter@ferretsunlimited.org and list the hours you can work.

We will be there from 9 AM to 10 PM. Please spend a couple of hours wrapping.

I'd like to keep it at three people there, but a very minimum of two (someone has to watch the begging jar while the other goes potty or grabs a snack)

9 AM Set up (hopefully I will be in Virgina with my son for Christmas and not there!!

10 AM Dave and Samantha

11 AM Dave and Samantha

Noon ___________________________

1 PM ___________________________

2 PM ___________________________

3 PM ___________________________

4 PM ___________________________

5 PM ___________________________

6 PM ___________________________

7 PM ___________________________

8 PM ___________________________

9 PM ___________________________

Good news and we do need help

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:33:00 +0000

Friday morning I got call from the shelter's attorney, Jeff Holland. He received the dismissal papers from the attorney that was representing the ferret/mink farm in southern Ohio.

THEY agreed to dismiss the suit. Though they do have one year to reconsider suing. But at this point in time, I'll take what I can get. Trust me, I am very grateful.

Well, my magical, magnetic personality did it again. For some reason the USB ports would not work, but after 16 hours of reinstalling XP and finally talking to a tech at Dell who is AWESOME. We are back on line, the machine isn't right yet, but I can get some things done.

Do you have some time December 23? We need help running the gift wrap table at the Borders Books in Strongsville, from 10 AM to 10 PM. They provide the paper and tape, we provide the wrapping skills, and the customers provide donations.

Ideally there should be three to four people on duty at a time, two or three to wrap, one to wear the ferret costume. Shifts should run three hours each. Not too long, but long enough to make it worth the drive. According in to the store this is one of the busiest days they have, so there is a great potential for some donations.

Here is my dilemma. Normally I would be there start to finish, but my son wants me to be at his house in Virgina. He wants to go buy a tree and ornaments (he never had a tree up at his house before, so this is a biggie) on Friday, have a dinner Saturday with his friends and Marine buddies (yes I do know some of them) celebrate Christmas and then hubby, dogs and I would come home.

For any normal house hold that wouldn't cause any type of problem. For this one it does. Unless I can make sure that the day at Borders is covered, and people keep there word and show up to wrap, and get the shelter covered for food, water, and clean up checks, I can't go.

Now, even if we get the whole man power thing covered, unless the shelter has donations come in to cover it's own expenses, I have to find a way to cover it, which means what every husband brings in, and what I can scrape up goes to cover, and again, it comes down to giving up family needs for shelter needs. Many times through the past years my family has taken a back seat to the shelter, and I have missed many things with my children because of the shelter.

It so needs to be in it's own building. Do you know anyone involved with the "Green" builders? I have been trying to get some, involvement with the building from them, a way to show case what an environmentally friendly shelter can be, and what is possible. But I haven't had much luck. So, if you have a name or two that I can directly contact, I would be most grateful. Did you know that there are several grants available to build a "green" building?

So, if you have time to cover, or a spare dollar or two it would be greatly appreciated.

I understand it is the Holiday Season, and things are tight for everyone. This is when we need the help the most. It is when it seems all avenues dry up.

So, please help, if you can.

An Update (About time I got to this, don't you think?)

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:12:00 +0000

I have been meaning to do this for awhile. Like over a million times. I get side tracked by projects, litter boxes, and the un ending effort to become more organized. In other words, putting 50 pounds of stuff in a 10 pound box. I have several thank you cards to mail out, and other items to deal with, hopefully it will get all done this weekend, since the computer seems to be working fine since XP was put back on it.

The shelter we were bringing supplies to in Lynx, Ohio has placed 98% of the ferrets. All within several weeks. The last official count that I had seen a few weeks ago was 589, that doesn’t count the babies that have been and are being born.

I have been asked several times whether or not the shelter will be getting back or be reimbursed all of the items that we took out of our inventory. The answer is plain and simple. No.

A donation is a donation. You do not give a helping hand and then ask to be reimbursed. What we had in storage that could be used for this massive rescue went to help. If the roles were reversed, she would have done the same.

What you put out into the world comes back.

Now, on to what is happening here. We certainly can use some help. Financially, volunteer wise, and fund raising wise. (BIG HINT: We are doing the gift wrapping at the Borders Bookstore, 17200 Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH 44136 Map. December 23, 10 AM to whenever they close, and I will be there the WHOLE time!)
Currently we have fourteen ferrets that are in need of surgery. Two of the nine are from the DMK rescue in southern Ohio, girls. The last of the thirteen we brought back that need fixed. The others are adrenal, spleen, and two are exploratory. The vet bill is running $3400.00.

We have five old timers that need Lupron shots. We haven’t been able to bring in a full prescription of Lupron in a few months. Lupron runs $518 from the Canadian Pharmacy that we deal with (they have a vet on staff).

Just got one of our orders of food in yesterday, $531.00 (delivered, love delivery), and I will be picking up the balance later today from a different distributor which is another $250.00. (Not to mention the litter that I will be picking up there too)Yes, that does seem a lot for food, but it is the best they can be fed, and do wonderfully on it, and right now they are eating their way out of house and home. This shipment will last ten to twelve weeks. They average eating about $100 a week.

Remember, we buy wholesale. The delivery from Wholesome Pet Distributor is a God send, saves me time, money and gas. I have to pick up from the second distributor; they deliver in semis, not a good thing to drive down this street, gets a little tight. Even with picking up in Brunswick, I save money.

The total amount saved on the food alone is $312.34. Yes, I keep an eye on the market. Basically, if you were to go into a store and buy this, you would get only food, the way we shop, we get the food, litter, and a few extras, like ferretone. Trust me; we get a GREAT price on ferretone.

Yes, we have many more kids here than are on the website; I hopefully will get it updated next week. I want to get pictures done Tuesday, which will mean no litter boxes done, but we’ll get them done on Monday. Again, hint, hint, hint. This involves holding ferrets. So if you have a couple of hours Tuesday morning, or afternoon, I could use help. Once thing I learned, doing once room, posting the pictures and printing the cage cards at a time is sufficient. So the second room would be worked on the following Friday.

I’ll be working on a list for our Web Mistress to update our needs list. A few things have changed over the last couple of years, so if folks want to bring us goodies, they can see what we use and need.

You wouldn’t know it, but I just spent the last hour and a half doing this, so it is time to close, and go back to the organizing and cleaning. Sheesh, it is never done!!

So in closing, I would like to ask everyone who reads this to please try and make a small donation. We really need the help. The holidays are coming, and that means fewer people helping, and fewer donations. Donations this year have been WAY down. It is understandable, the economy, the uncertainty in the political structure, but we could use your help.

Please vote for MSOD

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:47:00 +0000

OK, last year the founder of this band and his lovely better half organized a fundraiser for the shelter and raised $600 for us to put on our vet bill.

And I didn't have to worry about what was happening, where it would be or anything. It was a blast and everyone had a great time, so please, click on the link and vote for them.

VOTE FOR MSOD!

AWESOME EBAY ITEM LOOKIE LOOKIE

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 22:34:00 +0000

Limited Edition Adorable Crocheted Girl Ferret in Blue

you just have to look, and it benefits the shelter!!

There are no words

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:43:00 +0000

Have you ever really tried your best and hardest to do something that in your very core, your bones you felt was the right thing to do and have it fall to crap?

Example. No secret on the supply runs to Ferret’s Dream House. Count of surrenders from the farm is 800 plus. No secret I use priceline.com for rentals since the shelter’s vehicle is a wonder ride.

Had a couple people say they have items to send, they went shopping for them to help fill the van. Cool.

So I do my priceline.com thing, got a rental. Things are fine so far. Went this morning and go to pick up the mini van. They said nope. Will not do it. I ask why? They say, that is a debit card. I said, no this is a credit card. A Pay Pal credit card. The only thing we use for rentals.

They refused to take it. (National/Alamo car rental) spoke to the manager. Even though there has been a history that they accessed from the shelter renting from them with the same exact card, they said no. Now, the young woman says, let me get the manager, the manager comes out, says no, he will not over ride it. I ask what has changed since the last rental? He says nothing. (We are talking 72 hours here folks)

He says it is priceline.com’s fault. They say it is Alamo/National’s issue. Priceline will issue a refund THIS time, but charge the shelter $25 for a cancellation fee.

Now, I called the headquarters of Alamo/National. Moreover, they tell me, since the credit card is not tied to a bank account they will not take it. Doesn't that make it a debit card then? Moreover, if that is the case, they do not accept debit cards. HUH???? They would not take the shelter’s debit card either.

I have really been trying hard to do the right things. No one will ever understand what I am feeling right now. I am so frustrated.

How many times do you ever hear of over 800 animals being surrendered to ONE shelter?? I mean really. How many times do you hear that shelters are trying to help each other??

Seriously, I have been trying really hard to get help from Northern Ohio for this. Channel 19 was going to come out and do a story, last Tuesday, 10 AM. Cool I thought. Maybe people will start to realize that this is serious. Got a call a few minutes before they were to be here, they had lots of call offs, can we do this at 11? Sure. Got a call right before 11, too many call offs, can we do this tomorrow? Well, I am going to Lynx, Ohio tomorrow with the supplies I have, and will not be back until Thursday. Ok, let’s do it Friday 11 AM. Friday, 11 AM, got a call about 15 minutes before they are to be here, and there are too many call offs. I am not even going to schedule it again. We will work it in sometime.

It is the same few people all of the time that step up to help. When I was going through cancer treatments Lori, was the first person to step up and say, let me take some of the ferrets in your shelter to help lighten the load. We had 60 plus. She took 35. Through the years, she has been there for this shelter. It is only right we are there for here.

The number of animals itself is staggering. 800 plus. And trying to come up with just some help seems impossible.

Coming up with help for this shelter is impossible. Why do I think it would be different just because there are so many?

A chance to work together!! A chance to help one another! A chance to put differences behind us for the good of some helpless animals!!

Does this shelter help other shelters and people? Yes, we do. Doesn’t matter what type of animal, if we can we help. We donate.

Right now I am very frustrated, and in a very dark place. We try not to ask for help too much, we try to do the right things, we try to help others.

Well, time to go find another wall to bash my skull against. The one I have been bashing my skull against it messy. I keep bashing my skull to find answers, but do not find any, and the skull will not crack.

Oh yeah, sorry, this is the Director’s Corner. My space to vent, and post news, and I will not apologize or change anything I have said in the past or will say in the future.

Third Supply Run for 800 Rescued Ferrets Planned

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:07:00 +0000

When: Leaving Wednesday, October 3, 2007 8 AM.

What is needed:

Heavy duty welding gloves
Disposable rubber gloves
Gatorade (for volunteers)
Poweraid(for volunteers)
Water (for volunteers)
Garden Hoes
Heavy duty push brooms
Heavy duty garbage bags
Energy Bars (for the volunteers)
Cereal Bars (for the volunteers)
Floor squeegees not wider than two feet
News paper without the shiny ads
Paper towels
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Disposable bedding (fleece cut into 8 x 18 strips)
Wal-Mart Gift cards (super Wal-Mart 1/2 hour from shelter no other shopping near by - they are in country!!)

Again, if you would like, you can donate to this shelter and tell me what you would like to have purchased from you. I will do your shopping.

Last trip, Debi donated $250 and I did the shopping. She got to help, got a tax deduction, and didn't have to shop.

Come one Northern Ohio. Let's fill the mini van.

OK, this may be a bit out there, but it would be nice to be able to stop and pickup a bunch of groceries for a cook out for the volunteers.

Last week someone had donated to cover the rental of the mini van, and the gas, it would be nice to have that happen again. We rent through priceline.com to save money.

Our current van '91 Chevy Lumina APV is dead, tranny, power steering, ac, exhaust. She bled out in the driveway. 253,000 miles on her and her frame is rusting out.

The shelter's station wagon, '93 Ford Taurus, 189.000 has an electrical short and other problems, making her a wonder ride. So for things like this, we rent just to make sure Shelter Mom gets there and back in one piece.

Please help, and please help spread the word.

Forget to add the Date!!

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:08:00 +0000

Supply run is this Wednesday, September 26 and to drop off supplies, bring them to:
4116 Bucyrus Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44109.

Or you can send a donation with instructions what it is to be used for.

Please help!!

First Trip done second trip planned - Help the 700 plus rescue ferrets

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:16:00 +0000

Thursday I finally got a rental, well I had to settle for an SUV because i couldn't get a mini van through priceline, got it for $30 a day including the tax. Not bad. Enterprise wanted $60 a day for a minivan!! The difference paid for gas.

Got an email from two of my Akron volunteers, let them know at 10:00 PM, I got an SUV, and if they were still up for it, come on down, two SUV's full are better than one. Our new volunteer Jim, came to help us load, and at the last minute I called Rick in Stubenville, he drove up to help too.

We got to the storage locker, and Laurie says, "We can rent a trailer, I used to haul a horse trailer, so I am used to it". We go to see if they had the ball part. The storage place we were at didn't but a mile or so away, there was one who did. So we went there, while Jim, Jane and Rick loaded the rental SUV.

We got to the second Uhaul place, and Laurie got the hitch part, and we were going to rent the trailer, got it hooked up, and no wiring harness. It would take $100 and at least an hour to put it in. Time is our problem, so we said no.

Back to the storage unit. Laurie and Jane chatted. they went up to see what renting a box truck would cost. (I already knew, $19.95 a day plus 99 cents a mile) The manager came down on the mileage, and called corporate to find out if he could come down lower, but they said no.

Laurie and Jane came back with a 10 foot box truck, and we filled it. Everything in the locker that could be used. All of the Marshall litter boxes with the bolt on it, all of the bedding donated for the rescue, and blankets. (Trust me not enough) all the cages, yes all of them the new ones and the few used ones we had. If it was usable for her, it went.

No, these sisters are not rich, they work a normal 9 to 5, they charged it because they felt it was the right thing to do, and knew the shelter was already doing everything it could.

All of this was purchased for the new building. And no matter what I tried, I banged my head on a wall, it seemed like road blocks continually got put in the way of the building, so all this had to be stored somewhere. Maybe it was fate telling me that it would be needed else where, and the time wasn't right for the building because this was going to happen. I don't know, I'd like to believe that there was some type of Divine intervention because of what was to happen.

We drove down, took 5.5 hours, she lives in a very remote area. She had four helpers that day. None the day before. Lorie is tired and running herself ragged.

I did bring back some kids 13. No they are not ready for adoption. If you want to help, adopt some of the kids that have been here for awhile to make room for some of the other farm rescues. Or please donate to help with the vet costs.

Now, we are going back Wednesday. I plan on leaving at 8 AM. You have today, Monday and Tuesday to dig.

She needs, paper towels, bleach, laundry soap, dish soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (yes, with the people popping in and out the bathroom is used) snacks for the volunteers, pieces of fleece cut to about 8 x 18 (serves to cover the wire in the cage and a blanket), trash bags.

If you would like me to bring a donation on your behalf and hand it to her, I will. Gift cards from Target, Walmart, Kmart all can be used too. Needed items like listed can be purchased with them.

If you would like to give Lori a special gift as a thank you. Wrap it up and I will deliver it.

If you are bring stuff to fill up a mini van for the second trip and want a tax receipt, make sure to see me, or leave the receipt with your name, address and phone number. I will give you a tax receipt so you can deduct it.

Come on let's help. Let's fill a mini van, and a station wagon!! Please.

Transport help needed Thursday, Friday

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:26:00 +0000

Yes, the ferrets are off McKay's farm, there is more going on than is known. Right now we need to help the ferrets and Lori Sies in Lynx, Ohio.

How can you help? Do you have a truck? Can you take tomorrow off and make a long drive? I am renting a truck and loading it up with what is in the shelter locker.

We could use more than one truck so it can all go down in one load.

Do you have bedding you don't need, bring it. Can't get it here tonight? Pack it up and get it here by Thursday night, and it can make the trip down on Friday, because if i don't have enough trucks I'll be making a second trip Friday.

Come one folks, she needs help. If you want to send a donation, I'll bring them and hand them to her.

Call 216/749-3885 or 215/409-3849.

Yes, I will be bringing a ferret or two back. Sigh.

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:15:00 +0000

Ok, you want to get involved, you want to help, but you really don't want to clean litterboxes, and you don't have time to be here at the shelter, but you can make a meeting once a month, and you can find time during the month to dedicate an hour here and an hour there to make things happen for the shelter.

Join me and all who want to see the shelter survive and thrive.

Date: Santurday, September 15, 2007

When: 2 PM to 5 PMWhere: Panora Bread5090 TiedemanBrooklyn, Ohio

216/362-8130

Why: To start from the beginning and build a working Board of Directors, not glamorous, not a paid position, plenty of work, but rewarding!!

Come see how you can make a difference.There is no way the shelter can continue with out YOUR help.

I will pay for the beverages (pop, water, coffee) sorry can't buy you lunch.

On the Advice of our Attorney

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:52:00 +0000

Until he has the opportunity to go over the edvidence in the lawsuit against the shelter, we must take down any thing we have posted referencing the the farm, or comments we have made.

Pending lawsuit Mckay vs Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter, etal., filed in Morrow County, case #2007 CV 00372.

This is going to be a nasty battle I am afraid.We have now started a "starving attorney" fund here at our shelter, the funds will go to help our "starving attorney" in his gallant effort in defending those who have no voice and our shelter.

Please spead the word, you can copy and past this entire note.Pay pal address for the "starving attorney" fund is shelter@ferretsunlimited.org please put starving attorny or need in the subject.Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you on behalf of the "starving attorney"and those he defends.

If you have anything that is inflamitory, or copied off any site, it would be wise to remove it until further notice.

We will repost the pictures once we take out our comments.

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:51:00 +0000

Check out these sites for more information on ferrets.

Please support your local shelter!

Two FML Posts Regarding the Ferert Farm

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:59:00 +0000

On the advice of our attorney until he has the opportunity to go over the edvidence in the lawsuit against the shelter, we must take down any thing we have posted referencing the the farm, or comments we have made.

Pending lawsuit Mckay vs Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter, etal., filed in Morrow County, case #2007 CV 00372.

This is going to be a nasty battle I am afraid.We have now started a "starving attorney" fund here at our shelter, the funds will go to help our "starving attorney" in his gallant effort in defending those who have no voice and our shelter.

Please spead the word, you can copy and past this entire note.Pay pal address for the "starving attorney" fund is shelter@ferretsunlimited.org please put starving attorny or need in the subject.Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you on behalf of the "starving attorney"and those he defends.

If you have anything that is inflamitory, or copied off any site, it would be wise to remove it until further notice.We will repost the pictures once we take out our comments.

What has been going on in the background

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:03:00 +0000

As I sit here waiting for this mornings loads of ferret laundry to finish, and the hot water to heat up so I can take a shower and become a road warrior, I have been thinking.

Dangerous isn’t it? LOL! A statement a very dear friend of mine keeps echoing in my head. She made the statement after I posted that we are looking for a new, active Board of Directors. What is the comment you ask? “I read the Director’s Corner, I am glad to see you back in the saddle again.”

You see, I never had been out of the saddle, nor have I given up on the building. I have been plugging along, against the current, but still plugging along, slowly, networking as best I can with the limited number of people I know.

Oh, I can hear you now. “LIMITED? You know lots of people.” Not really, think about how I spend most of my time, it is either doing ferret laundry, cleaning litter boxes, driving to and from the vet, or my oncologist, sitting at Petco doing PR work, or of late, sitting and waiting for the tow truck or flat bed. (Old Blue, the Lumina APV with 252,000 miles bled to death in the driveway awhile ago, brakes, tranny, power steering fluid, all within two days, the Grey Ghost, 93 Taurus wagon with 190,000 miles on it, developed an electrical short, and is literally falling apart – rusted parts and pieces are falling off).

The good news in all of this, a friend’s son works for an architect, and his friend who deals with contractors have the blue prints, there are a few tweaks I was wondering about, that they will look at to see if it is possible and if they will comply with the city of Parma’s building codes. You cannot write for Capital Improvement Grants without a budget or projected start and finish date (learned that the hard way, Lord I do dislike those turn down letters).

Then I called Cleveland Lumber, on Madison Avenue. Cleveland Lumber has been around forever, and is a family business. Unbelievably they are competing with the big boys, Lowes and Home Depot. They are very customer oriented, customer service oriented, just a great place to shop for home improvement or building needs.

Now I spoke with Vince the owner. I am looking for ways to cut cost and keep the best quality we can. The conversation went like this, “Vince, it is Jean, you know formally from United Garage Door? Now just the crazy ferret lady,” He laughs, “Yes Jean, I do remember you, what is up?” “Well,” I reply, “the shelter owns property, and we want to build a new building, we desperately need it.” “Ok.” He replies. “I had this idea, rather than having the builders purchase the building supplies them selves, I was wondering if Cleveland Lumber carries all of the items and things needed to build a building, and I wanted to know if the shelter made a deposit on account, of like $50,000.00 can we purchase all the supplies from Cleveland Lumber, you guys deliver the supplies to site, you can let me know when we need to add funds to the account for the building, and I would have a better track of what is ordered, used, and the supplies won’t get a mark up from the builders.”

Ok, I know builders need to make money, but I am trying to find a way to get the best for the money. The head contractor faxes the list to Cleveland Lumber, they deliver, the builders have what they need delivered as they need it and the building is built. The shelter saves a bit of money from a small mark up, and saves the sales tax.

Vince says, “Sure, we can do that for you, we can even donate some of the supplies.” That made me go YES!!

You ask, well how much is some? My reply, even if they donate 2% of the needed supplies that is 2% less the shelter has to raise. 2% of $50,000.00 is $1000.00. In my world that is A LOT of money to save.

Add to that if the funds are transferred into the shelter’s Pay Pal account, and we use that to make the deposit at Cleveland Lumber, we get 1% cash back from purchases, which means on $50,000.00 that is another $500.00!!

Therefore, to sum up this little post, I was never out of the saddle, just plodding along. That is why the shelter desperately needs a WORKING Board of Directors.

So remember, September 15, 2 PM to 5 PM, Panora Bread, on Tiedemann Road, Brooklyn, Ohio. Find out what is needed, and how you can help, remember, beverages are on me!

You left a ferret in a cage in the yard, over 24 hours, WHY?

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 22:48:00 +0000

You may want to know my husband found him today. Neighbor said that the cage was there yesterday.

You left this little boy in the heat??? Next to a shed, where neighborhood dogs and feral cats had a chance at him, where the sun gets an opportunity to beat down on him? You left him with two pieces of bologna for food? The water bottle laying on its side so he couldn't get water?

He was out there for over 24 hours, what were you thinking? The neighbor would see him? The neighbor doesn't save ferrets, he saw a cage with a crappy hammock in it, he thought that I must have left a cage there to take out with the trash. Thank God my husband has the sense to knows better and checked the cage.

I wasn't even home, I was on my way to do an education day at Petco, and the car broke down. What is even scarier is the fact that we were going to take the day and go for a long ride, and not come home till evening, but then the Wadsworth Petco had a grand opening and I thought maybe the shelter would be better served if I were there.

Let me guess, you are one of those folks who are on the waiting list to surrender, one of those folks who’s heart is breaking because they need to surrender their ferret because the ferret has become an inconvenience in their lives. One of those folks who knew that they had to move, but decided that they didn't have to spend time looking for a place that allows pets, I am sure that you cried the whole way while sneaking the cage into the back yard. Just like the one who brought a ferret in the trunk of her car two weeks ago. Oh, so heart broken.

I am sure your heart was breaking while you looked at apartments, I am sure your heart was breaking when you filled out the surrender form 9 days ago saying you have to move in 14 days, or however long you had. I am sure your heart was breaking when you got the email telling you we are at capacity, and waiting list is over four weeks, I am sure your heart was breaking when you read the suggestions I had for you to take a proactive role in finding a home for your ferret.

I am sure your heart was breaking when you found out that you weren't getting off the hook that easy, and I wasn't going to make you feel better about having to get up your ferret.

I am sure your heart was breaking, I hope you have nightmares you piece of sh**.