Hi efurrycat! Me and Buddy are letting Mom post for today only so she can tell you abowt somefing we are furry upset abowt. --Finny
Mom
Hi all our feline friends and beans! Thank you, Finny and Buddy, for letting me share the blog (for today only) so I can tell everyone about what is upsetting us.
You may have heard of "Cats With No Name" and/or read Finny's post from last year.
For the last year or so, we have been saving weight circles from our Purina One food to send to CWNN, so they could turn them in for some type of reward. I don't know if it was discounts, product or cash, but I've emailed Purina to find out more info.
In Finny's post, we encouraged our friends to make donations or save weight circles too, and we believe that some of you were supporting them as we were.
Unfortunately, this week we discovered that CWNN's founder, Virginia Kresge Justiniano, is under investigation for animal-related charges -- possibly hoarding, abuse, etc. It's hard to get much info, but if we do, we'll post it.
The Cats with no Name website is down and there is no response to emails or phone calls.
Making Donations - Do Your Research
I should have done some research on this organization before encouraging others to support it, and I apologize if you did so on our recommendation.
Please, if you are approached to make a donation to any organization or group, especially one you've never heard of, do a Google search on them.
Mom
Hi all our feline friends and beans! Thank you, Finny and Buddy, for letting me share the blog (for today only) so I can tell everyone about what is upsetting us.
You may have heard of "Cats With No Name" and/or read Finny's post from last year.
For the last year or so, we have been saving weight circles from our Purina One food to send to CWNN, so they could turn them in for some type of reward. I don't know if it was discounts, product or cash, but I've emailed Purina to find out more info.
In Finny's post, we encouraged our friends to make donations or save weight circles too, and we believe that some of you were supporting them as we were.
Unfortunately, this week we discovered that CWNN's founder, Virginia Kresge Justiniano, is under investigation for animal-related charges -- possibly hoarding, abuse, etc. It's hard to get much info, but if we do, we'll post it.
The Cats with no Name website is down and there is no response to emails or phone calls.
Making Donations - Do Your Research
I should have done some research on this organization before encouraging others to support it, and I apologize if you did so on our recommendation.
Please, if you are approached to make a donation to any organization or group, especially one you've never heard of, do a Google search on them.
- Find out where the money goes and what it's used for
- Make sure they are a 501(c)(3) IRS non-profit organization
- Ask or look on their website for their annual report
- Be wary of "sound-alike" organizations
- Don't make donations over the phone or internet without doing your research first
Check with your state or city's Better Business Bureau and State Attorney General's office to be sure the organization is not under any type of investigation for fraud or had an unreasonable number of complaints against it.
In short, be completely comfortable that you know who is getting your money and what they're going to do with it. Any reputable non-profit will be happy to assure you of their IRS status and direct you where to find more information on their stewardship of donations.
We'll keep monitoring this situation and hopefully we'll hear that Ms. Justiniano is cleared of any charges and can continue doing good work for the kitties.
We hope efurryone has a great weekend and Finny & Buddy will be back posting in a day or two.
Nora
13 comments:
Nora, thanks for the information and advice. Please don't feel bad, you have a big heart and only want to make the world a better place for all. - Meezer Mom Mary
I feel the same as the Meezer's Mom. I do not want you to feel sad because you only wanted to help. Your post from today is an important message, and it is good of you to get the word out.
I think we have all supported causes where we've believed in what we heard and not done as much as we should have to learn more about them. Certainly, any guilt lies only with the people in charge, not with the people who wanted to help out and do some good.
Thank you for posting this message to let us all know!
Oh please don't feel bad. We knows yall meant the bestest and that place seemed ok. It's good to wanna help! We's booboo'd that way too, not findin out enough bout stuff a'forehand. But yanno, some good comes frum it no matter what cuz alla yore friends can learn more bout how to help ofurs the best ways.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs,
Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree, Pepi and MomRobyn
It is unfortunate that some beans are out to harm people and animals. It is unfortunate that it discourages some to not give for fear that they are being fooled. You have done the right thing in letting everyone know the truth. You have nothing to feel bad about.
Purrs,
Henry & Clyde
Yep, we agree with efurryone else, please don't feel bad!!
Oh my goodness, please don't feel bad when you were trying to do something very good.
Nora, let's wait until all the facts come out in this case. At any rate, thanks for letting everyone know about the charges CWNN is facing.
All I can do is repeat what everyone else is saying. Please don't worry.
Thank you for putting out the information on CWNN. It may turn out that the charges are not true. I don't think you should feel bad about trying to help.
Thank you for the information and the important reminders!
I Dare You...!
Come on over and check it out.
Karl
No, no - it is not about your sweet post. Don't feel bad, your heart is at the right place and that is all that counts!
We all want to make a difference, but some people want to take advantage of that.
Keep the faith, and remember to trust but verify!
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