California Ferret Lovers Seek Data Prior to Environmental Report
Our efforts to do the Environmental Study which we hope will lead to ferret legalization is about to enter its next phase. I've been highly censored as to what I can report on - except to say that the data collection period is about to begin and how nice it is to see things start to happen.
I'd like to tell you exactly what we are doing - but someone would shoot me if I did that. I hate the words "trust me," but trust me, what is going on is expertly done and with open eyes and should finally lead to success.
What's the Biggest Mistake We Ever Made?
California ferret lovers are notorious for their inability to get along, but everyone agreed with the decision not to do an environmental study when the Department of Fish and Game called for it in 1995. Quite simply no one trusted DFG after all we've been through. The environmental report they called for - we thought would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Why didn't we ask some environmental consultants? The price is significantly less because a lot the regular concerns (noise, traffic, etc) don't apply. Better late than never - so here we go!
The Funds Aren't There
We need about $600 right now for postage. If no one sends in a cent this week, our expenses will be met. Some of us will sell plasma, even though I suffer from Aichmophobia, this is going to get done.
OC Pet Expo Results
The reason we don't have any money is because we spent it on our booth at the Orange County Pet Expo. - But it was money very well spent. Hopefully by the time this goes out all the names and addresses will be in our database to receive CLIFFNotes. It appears that we did sign up over 300 people (for a second year in a row) to receive CLIFFNotes or the paper newsletter due out next month. A very BIG THANK YOU to everyone who worked the booth, and a very warm welcome to those of you receiving CLIFFNotes for the first time.
Speaking of OC Ferrets, they have all the fun, here is there meeting from yesterday in Irvine, CA.
CDFEA Becomes 501(c)(3) Non-profit Corporation
This past week, The California Domestic Ferret Educational Alliance received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service granting its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
From the CDFEA website (currently under construction):
"It is the mission of the CaliforniaDomestic Ferret Educational Alliance to promote the domestic ferret as a companion animal by providing our membersand the public with information, referral services and educational materials, as well as advocating domestic ferret care, concerns and welfare."
Source: CDFEA website (currently under construction) www.ferreted.org
Expect Some Fun at the Artichoke Festival
Hey everyone, I have received the go ahead to have an informational booth at the Castroville Artichoke Festival, May 17-18, 2008. I still need volunteers to pass out literature and educate people about our pet.
Many people in our state don't know about ferrets and if they do have knowledge, it's usually that ferrets are wild and should live free, not as captive pets. As a group of ferret lovers, isn't it our place to try and educate these misinformed soles? We can make this happen in a non-threatening way for us and them at the Castroville Artichoke Festival. Please help me make this a reality. I can't do it all by myself.
Thank you,
Dianna
E-mail me sped103@sbcglobal.net or fertwrangler2@hotmail.com
Ferrets in the News
Our illustrious leader has had two news items published since becoming president of Ferrets Anonymous. Here are the links.
Honking Ferret Issue Revisited
The Original Letter
Ferret Honking?
I have had my baby boy for about a year and a half now. He is completely healthy and always checks out at the vet but... My baby boy honks. I hear from the "cave" what can only be compared to by a goose honking. I find, with a rather pathetic look on his face, my baby boy coughing uncontrollably. It doesn't seem to hurt him or cause distress, its kind of like a sneezing fit but it all come from his mouth and throat, not his nose. I have never received a good answer for this from the vet or in books ( Ferrets for Dummies). Can anyone help?
Dr Gandolfi's Response:
Read about the guy on Pat's newsletter. (I wish people would call if CLIFFNotes!) Sorry, but I don't consider significant coughing to be innocuous. If vet has checked him out and not found anything or suggested anything to help, need another vet. Animals don't cough because it's fun.
Rene C. Gandolfi, DVM, Dipl. ABVP
Castro Valley Companion Animal Hospital
2509 Lessley Avenue
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510 582-6311
