Ok so I have had my rattery for years and have always taken in extra animals people couldn't keep or what not just so that they could live out their lives somewhere nice. Well I never advertised that I'd rescue unwanted animals because I only had room for a couple more and didn't want to be overwhelmed. Well anyway, the other day I decided that I would start advertising that I would take in rescues because I have soooo much extra room, time, and supplies right now. I figured I would get itt out there and try to help out because I've seen rats and such at the shelter here that have been there for months and I'd be more than willing to take the small animals the shelter gets in and either let them live out their lives here or find a suitable pet home else where saving the shelter time and money. Sounds like a good idea right?
Well today I get a rude message from someone at the shelter here who saw my page and started ranting at me. I don't know what to think about this. Am I doing the wrong thing by trying to help? I'll post the message and my reply below, let me know what you think and if I handle this the right way. Thanks!
Message from her:
"This is so wrong you CANNOT pose yourself as a rescue if you are breeding animals! If you care so very much about finding homes for unwanted animals, then stop making more. I work at the shelter and we are continuously admitting small animals. Due to over breeding, lack of education, and responsibility; alot of unwanted pets are abandoned. Why not take a stand on the efforts to save these lil guys instead of being a part of the problem! It is easy to like animals and want more, but what they really need is for someone to protect their futures, not another unwanted pregnancy."
My reply:
"None of my animals are bred without a waiting list of pre-approved homes. Rats, are my main focus and the rats I breed are AFRMA pedigreed. I don't just breed because I get bored or it's fun. I also have a list people that own snakes and need snake food. Many don't agree with colonials animals health and won't feed them to their snakes and they don't want to pay 10 dollars for a rat from Petco. I take in rescues because I see how many pet rats their are. I have the space and time to take in these animals and have the experience to give them a great life here as pets only, or find a home for them with other people I know will love and care for them.
I have never had a surplus of rats or mice and have never had any that were unwanted. I always have planned litters. Many people like unique rats and don't just want hooded rats which is what you most commonly see at petstores and rescues. I myself own 3 snakes as well. Two of which I rescued, and snakes need to eat and I don't agree with frozen feeding because many nutrients are lost in the process.
I only started taking in rescues because I see so many rats and gerbils and mice that people buy from pet shops get thrown out after a child out grows them or people just decide they don't want them anymore. I have nothing but my animals to focus on. I also have a return policy for anyone that adopts an animal from me, any and all animals can be returned at any time if the person is unhappy with them or can no longer care for them."