Here is a copy of the letter I handed out. Hope it was ok...I worked a long time trying to get in the right words.
MY FISH RESCUE BUSINESS IS IN DANGER. CAN YOU HELP?
My name is Kelly and I am the owner and founder of Finned Friends LLC and KARS (Kelly’s Aquatic Rescue Services). Here at Finned Friends, we will rescue, provide a temporary housing environment and seek new homes for unwanted aquatics. We are also the largest breeding facility of freshwater angelfish in the State of Wisconsin. The breeding facility was established to help offset the cost of the rescue. An unwanted aquatic always meets his death before his time is due. I believe that fish are found to be readily disposable once their flair is gone. People don't think that this type of pet is worth saving once they do not want them anymore. I am a firm believer that ANY pet deserves a chance at a good life.
Finned Friends is a home based business. I was given a medical diagnosis that I suffer from a few diseases that I can no longer work outside of my home. I could have taken the news and sat back and collected a monthly check or I could teach my children (one in college, one going this fall and a freshman in high school) a lesson in life. No matter what life throws at you, you have to remain positive and fight for what you want. I felt at only 39 years old, that I was still young enough to earn an honest living. So last year, I added on a $25,000 expansion to my business with the help of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Part of my expansion costs involved new equipment for heating, cooling and an air exchanger for the business. This total cost alone was close to $9000. I thought I did my research when it came to finding a reputable and honest contractor. From day one, when they showed up close to 3 hours late, that should have been my first sign that this was the wrong decision. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and let them do their job. What a wrong choice this has been. Ever since they installed this new ENERGY EFFICIENT equipment my Gas and Electric bills have been enormous. I have been in contact with over 8 other Heating Contractors and none which are willing to take on the liability and problem this company has caused. They all knew of the company which installed my equipment and only words of condolences were given. I cannot afford the expense at this point to hire the attorney that has been so kind to me due to the fact we had heard this company may be filing bankruptcy in the near future.
The local heating and cooling contractor we hired completely scammed us, and knowingly installed equipment that cannot heat or cool our home in a way to keep our bills down and livestock healthy. Our furnace has broke down over 18 times this winter - the contractor avoids our calls, and has not yet fixed the equipment. This equipment has doubled - tripled our WPS bills. On April 15th, WPS will be shutting off the power to our home. When this happens, we will lose everything. I have over 12,000 fish so far that I have either raised or rescued from the surrounding communities. When the power goes out, so will the lives of these animals. The fish cannot survive without heat or air, both run on heat and electricity.
I would be devastated if I were to lose everything I put my heart and soul into. Especially due to the fact that I was taken complete advantage of by a contractor that was supposed to be honest. Finned Friends does not charge or ask for any monetary donations for driving to pick up any unwanted aquatics. There is a great expense of time, gas and supplies to house an unwanted aquatic. If I cannot find a home for these aquatics, my home becomes their forever home. I am no different than any other rescue. But because most people think that fish are expendable no one wants to help. I am on my knees asking for help. So, if anyone would like to donate or know someone who would donate some time, monetary donations or items for a possible fundraiser to help pay toward my outrageous bill this equipment is costing me AND help pay for another company that would come in and re-do the whole mess please contact me. My Website
Finned Friends Aquatic Rescue & Angelfish Breeding has a Rescue link on top of every page. In the Rescue link you will see a DONATE tab that goes directly to a PayPal account for anyone that would like to donate that way. Or you can send a check payable to: FINNED FRIENDS 2004 Water Street, Merrill,WI 54452
Please, even it is $5 or $10 it will all help and add up. All money raised will go directly from there to help save Finned Friends. I am racing a ticking clock so I don’t have much time. As of today (April 4th) I have 11 days left. Thank you for helping my effort to save these aquatics. Remember, no fish goes unwanted. If I cannot find a home for them, my home will be their forever home. Thank you so much for your time.
Kelly Rector (715)212-6637
