Re: OT: Why is this list so nice?

[Nina]

Good for you my dear!  I think part of the reason this list is so darn nice is because we're all drawn here during a time of desperation and because our agendas include nothing more than helping our fur loved ones enjoy quality life.  By the time we've made it to this incredibly soft landing place, we've discovered that most people, (some vets included), think that decision is at best imprudent and at worst inhumane.  We have experienced the cruelty of well meaning people and just won't tolerate it from each other.  Belligerent newcomers are few and far between and never last long here. The loudest and most zealous of rescue people are like most subculture populations: set in their ways and convinced that their way is the best way, usually they feel it's the ONLY way.  My mentor in rescue dropped me out of her life cold when she learned that the litter of bottle babies I rescued had felv and I refused to euthanise them upon diagnosis.  My mouth still gapes open when I think about the irony of her being disappointed in me! My suggestion to keep things positive among so many opinionated people is to be a strong leader.  Let it be known from the onset that although discussion and input is valued, there will be only one person responsible for final decisions in the protocol of how the group is run.  Do your best to think through all the different scenarios that come up and state in writing guidelines about how such situations are expected to be dealt with.  For instance; "Any tame cats found should be neutered and listed as found before they are put up for adoption".  Have each new member sign an agreement that they will abide by the groups standards and guidelines.  Have your mission statement include something about keeping the lines of communication open and the imperative that all members conduct themselves with civility and kindness.  Resolve yourself to bounce anyone that can't play nice with others.  I'm sorry that we live so far apart, I'd be thrilled to find an organization with someone like you at the helm! Nina Kelley Saveika wrote: Hi guys,   I am starting my own rescue because I just couldn't take all the arguing and fighting any more.   The rescue list is like a war zone compared to this list.  By the way, I told them about you all and the fur flew as they told me how irresponsible yall were for mixing or considering mixing FELV+ and -.  It made me feel really bad that they would make those judgements without even getting to know yall.   Anyway, I want to keep my rescue list (and my rescue) positive without fighting like this.  Rescue is enough of a strain without feeling support from your fellow volunteers. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, -- Vist the Austin Siamese Rescue store and save a kitty life! http://www.cafepress.com/austinsiamese http://astore.amazon.com/austinsiamese-20