Since we announced an anonymous couple was willing to help build a building for Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter, things have gone horribly wrong. Surrenders are up 70%, couple that with mounting veterinary costs ($9500 Jan. thru June), and a severe decline of donations, the shelter is looking at a grim future.

Things have just gone from bad to worse since the announcement. We were hoping people would be supportive, the opposite has happened. People expect this couple to support the shelter and provide a building. People think the government funds the shelter, they do not.

We are trying to set precedence; we want to provide better service to Northern Ohio. We need the support of Northern Ohio, and the ferret community. We desperately need volunteers.

Ferrets Unlimited fund raising attempts have fallen short of normal operating costs, they also need to purchase items for a building. Right now, the project estimates are $40,000 above the funds available, and that is with cost cutting, and doing much of the interior work by volunteers.

We specialize in ferrets care, making it one less for local municipality kennels, and Humane Societies to worry about. We provide education; an educated pet owner is a happier pet owner.

Some ferrets we have would have been considered unadoptable due to health issues, training, or abuse. We change that.

We get the necessary surgery, we work with the abused, and we help trust and love again; then we find them homes. There is no such thing as an unadoptable animal; it is just a matter of time to find the right home.

What happens if we close because of good intentions (the promise of a building)? There are over 100 animals here, some needing surgery, some are elderly.

The shelter survived for 12 years. 2003, when I had cancer, and lost my left hamstring, it survived. Nevertheless, it looks like the shelter will not survive good intentions. It just is not right.

For more information, call: Jean at +1-216-749-3885

Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter is a non-profit charity under IRS Code 501 (c) (3). Located at: 4116 Bucyrus Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44109. Donations are tax deductible.