Hello everyone-- Effective immediately Mickaboo will be temporarily suspending intake of all birds, except those that face euthanasia in shelters or whose surrenderers are willing to "endow" their birds for future veterinary care. Our expenses in May and June combined were $34,000 while our income was $8,300. Obviously, we can't continue to run with this kind of imbalance. Our first obligation is to the birds who are currently in our care---right now that is 192 birds--and we need to maintain a cash balance that can cover anticipated vet bills. Mickaboo operates with a mission statement that is different from many rescue organizations. We provide all necessary treatment for every bird who enters our care regardless of their relative "market value". In other words, we will spend the same amount of money on veterinary care for a finch as we will on a macaw. We also do not euthanize except in cases where a bird is suffering without the possibility of recovery. If a bird is not suffering, but is terminally ill, we continue to provide hospice care. Even in difficult financial circumstances, we will never change that approach to the care of our birds. In addition to suspending intake, we are launching our Summer Fundraising Drive. We'll be sending out a fundraising letter and flier shortly, so look for it! We will also be applying for grants and identifying other income sources. What can you do? 1) Send a contribution and add a note that says "SFD-Discuss (or Action)" on your check or online contribution. 2) Send stamps. Rather than doing a stapled flier, we would like to do a 'slicker' fundraising appeal that we mail in an envelope. 3) Identify grant sources. 4) Agree to send personal notes with a fundraising letter to people you know who aren't involved with Mickaboo, but are potential donors. We will draft a letter that's specifically designed for this type of appeal. 5) Volunteer to help send out our fundraising letter. I know I don't need to tell you how critical our services are. In addition to private surrenders, we take in birds from every shelter in the Bay Area, as well as those in Sacramento and Santa Cruz. Birds who are ill or injured don't have another option. We are their last resort. Thank you for your understanding. --Nancy