FW: [NEohioPAL] Responding to: Free Kitten Seeking...

Sun Jan 2 21:02:20 PST 2005

<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV class=RTE>Dear friends of NE OhioPal,</DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>This email is in response to the "Free Kitten add": </DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>My wife and I work as volunteer fosters for an animal rescue organization called "Friends of Pets." In the past year, we have placed over twenty adult cats and kittens into good homes. Being a foster, we have come across our share of shady situations when placing the cats in homes.</DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>The #1 rule of thumb when placing an animal up for adoption is to <U>never</U> say that the pet is being given away for free. Believe it or not (and I'm not saying any of you would do this), there are people specifically looking for free animals, <STRONG>especially kittens</STRONG>, to use in illegal underground dog fights, or feed to their pet snake, plus do other horrible things to the animal (I've heard some terrible stories!). </DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>While the word "free" is an eye catcher, the best thing to do in situations dealing with placing pets into homes is leave the cost issue up in the air until you get a phone call or email of an interested party. Then screen the person by asking them questions about their past history with animals, what type of environment they have for the pet, spay/nueter/de-claw preference. If they are serious about offering true care for the animal, ask if they wouldn't mind paying a small fee that you might consider donating to an animal charity organization. A person seeking a good pet, won't mind making a small contribution in the long run.</DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>I know this may sound a little paranoid, but if you're serious about finding good homes our animal friends, you must screen out the creeps to find that dog, cat, etc. a safe environment to live.</DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>Thank you for your time and have a happy, healthy new year!!!</DIV>
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<DIV class=RTE>Theatrically yours,</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE> </DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Terry M. Sandler </DIV>
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