My fish rescue business is in danger. Can you help? - Page 7

Kelly68 · 05-29-2008, 10:10 AM

Here is the newest rescue I picked up last night. As mentioned before a lady from Portage found me and called and asked if I could help her save her fish. Apparently it was a fish they rescued and took in and was in a tank at a elderly home for over a year. It had outgrown their tank, couldn't even turn around in it anymore and needed to find another home. She said she spent weeks trying to find a place for him and ran across my web site. They were all so attached to this fish. When I met this lady she was in tears. She really was bonded with her fish but knew it was the best thing for him. He will be housed here for a while, but has a home awaiting for him. He will be going to a 500 gallon tank and be loved by a fellow fish lover. Thanks Dave! I did promise her that pictures of him in his new home was a must and I will forward them onto her so she could share them with the residents of the group home.

The pictures don't do him justice. He is very very tame and will let you "pet" him. He loved the attention and is an attention hound.

He is almost 16 inches long and about 8 inches tall. A sweetheart. I just had to share this story with you.

By the way, he is called a Pacu. He is a cousin to the pirahna. Where pirahna's are meat eaters their cousin the Pacu are vegetarians. They can get up to 3 feet and are one of the most common fish that people find disposable.

pk · 05-29-2008, 10:53 AM

What a beautiful fish Kelly.

This big guy must be so happy now that he can move around in a larger 500 gallon tank. I'm sure watching him makes all your dedication and hard work you put into this rescue worth it.

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

pk

Kelly68 · 05-29-2008, 11:10 AM

Thanks Patti. He is a beauty isn't he? But he is still in a smaller tank here. But at least one that he can move in and turn around in and not get stuck. He will go from here to a 110 gallon for another month or so then he gets upgraded to a 500 gallon. He will be so happy there I know he will.

It was heart breaking to see how upset this lady got. She kept apologizing for her emotions but I feel what she feels. They do get to be part of the family as Kris said. She drove a long ways too to meet me half way knowing she will never see him again and it broke her heart. People who do own fish knows the importance of their life. And they are worth saving.

It is like my Oscar...."Oscar". (original name I know) But I found him and Paulie a great home. They went to a 300 gallon tank. I was so sad to see them go as they were one of the first rescues I got in. Well, Paulie took off his own way to a group of other Parrot fish and Oscar had others in the tank too...but chose to isolate himself in the corner of the tank and sulk. He laid on his side for days acting as if he was dead. Very unhappy. He got to the point that he wouldn't even protect himself anymore and other fish were picking on him. So the lady called me and said that Paulie was very happy but Oscar was very sad. She thought he was going to die and asked if I could come get him. So I went there, gave her back her adoption fee and took him back home. The next day he was up and acting his normal self. Attitude and all. He missed me. Some fish are so smart they know who their owners are and become very attached to them. There was nothing wrong Oscar, he just missed home. The little stinker!

This is why I do what I do.

demon71 · 05-29-2008, 11:42 AM

Rescue people.
They are all the same.

It doesn't matter what creatures we are trying to save. We all have a passion for the individual rescue that we may be involved in.
What makes it all worth the time and expense is when you witness a happy and successful match with a new owner.

Kelly that fish is a great example why we all do what we do in the rescue business.
Keep up the great work.

Kelly68 · 06-02-2008, 09:47 AM

Thank you Greg and Patti. The Pacu went to his new home yesterday.

For the few days I had him I got really attached to him. He has a wonderful personality. He would pick up the plastic marbles I had in the tank and spit them at the glass making a "tink" noise as it hit the side of the tank. He would keep doing that to get me to come over to him. As soon as I was there paying attention to him he would stop. The moment I would walk away you could hear a "tink" "tink" and he would do that to get my attention. I can see why the lady was so attached to him. But I knew letting him go from here was the right thing to do as he will be in a HUGE tank with lots of swimming room. He was a big hit here for the time I had him. Many friends and family members had to come check him out and they all fell in love with him.

As for the furnace, it broke down on me again last week. This has gotten to be so overwhelming and frustrating it is sickening. No call back from the tech guy who was running the numbers regarding the contractors attitude last week and the furnace breaking down yet again. I have a few calls into him but he hasn't returned them.

pk · 06-02-2008, 10:12 AM

What a fun fish...and some say fish have no personalities.

Guess this one could teach them some lessons about that.

So your furnace broke down again?? I can't believe a company can sell a furnace that continues to break down without some compensation. After reading all your problems with not only the YORK furnace but the YORK repair service I would totally have to think hard and long before I would even consider owning a YORK furnace system.

Kelly68 · 06-05-2008, 09:36 AM

Yes, sad to say after installing the new part it still continues to cause me grief. I did talk to a local attorney who gave me a different angle to try. Therefore, when this company goes bankrupt my case would not be dismissed.

His angle, for me to get the DA's office involved and get together a fraud case. Fraud cases cannot be dismissed in a bankruptcy. So I am awaiting on a call to set up an appt with the local Police Dept's Lead Investigator. Wish me luck!

On the positive side. I woke up this morning to a Donation from someone in SPAIN! How cool is that? SPAIN! Of course an email went immediately out thanking them and asking how they found my site. Anxious to see their reply.

pk · 06-05-2008, 09:40 AM

Just goes to show how small the world has become now that the internet has come into our lives. Spain...that is really cool.

pk · 06-09-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Yes, sad to say after installing the new part it still continues to cause me grief. I did talk to a local attorney who gave me a different angle to try. Therefore, when this company goes bankrupt my case would not be dismissed.

His angle, for me to get the DA's office involved and get together a fraud case. Fraud cases cannot be dismissed in a bankruptcy. So I am awaiting on a call to set up an appt with the local Police Dept's Lead Investigator. Wish me luck!

Any luck with the Police Dept's Lead Investigator yet?

demon71 · 06-09-2008, 10:52 PM

Spain.
That is a great place. I would also be interested in what part of Spain. I was there about 3 years ago for 10 days. I loved every minute of it. I plan on returning again soon. Its great to see places that are almost a 1000 years old.

Kelly68 · 06-11-2008, 10:07 PM

I believe I am finally going to be able to see the investigator tomorrow. I was really hoping some well needed information came my way before I went in for my initial visit with this guy. But I haven't gotten it yet. I am seeing a really nice guy so I am hoping he will give this a fair shake.

Greg I believe the city is called Alicante in Spain where they are from.

(PS, check your work email if you can)

Kelly68 · 06-16-2008, 09:59 AM

Well, Friday I got to see the Investigator for about 2 hrs. It was really hard for him to comprehend the entire mess so he is coming over sometime today to look at everything first hand. I can't say too much at this point because it is now an investigation but it does look positive on my behalf.

Yesterday I got a call from two different people needing fish rescues. These are going to be large ones and over a hour and a half away. This will be for a total of close to 100 fish. These are just some of the types I am getting: Silver Dollars, Oscars, Eels, Scats, Bushfish, Puffers, Angels, Rainbows, Tetras, Gouramis, Cichlids, Kribensis.....and there is more. I will be working very hard the next two days figuring out who will go where and with whom.

Lots of different kinds of foods have to be bought as I normally don't house a lot of these kinds. Plus a few tanks have to be converted to brackish waters for the puffers and scats. Times like these I wish I had some surprise donations come in. But sad to say, as someone on here said..the hype normally is right at the beginning then I am forgotten about. This is going to be quite the costly rescue...it will take me all day. But that is why I love this...to save a pet. AND YES FISH ARE PETS!

Lauri · 06-16-2008, 08:48 PM

Hi Kelly,
I am really happy to see things looking up for your fish rescue. I know it has been a nightmare for you. It is a good thing you are able to continue to rescue other fish during these tough times as that is why you are in this business to begin with.

I realize the police department detective will not devulge most of what they are doing in the case against the installer but keep us posted as to what is happening when you can.

pk · 06-16-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Lots of different kinds of foods have to be bought as I normally don't house a lot of these kinds. Plus a few tanks have to be converted to brackish waters for the puffers and scats. Times like these I wish I had some surprise donations come in. But sad to say, as someone on here said..the hype normally is right at the beginning then I am forgotten about. This is going to be quite the costly rescue...it will take me all day.

Looking at the number of views to your post I don't think people have 'forgotten you'....just maybe they aren't sure what else they can do to help. Of course donations of $$ or even if you could post where you purchase your fish food people may feel comfortable sending a gift card for supplies?

It takes a lot to run a rescue of any kind whether it is for cats, dogs, or even fish so I hope people that read this will continue to send in donations to help your many fish.

Just wondering, what is the turn around with your fish? I know I have been posting to help the purebred cat rescue located in our city and their goal is to find at least 500 or more homes for cats per year. Since your increase of new rescue fish seems to be growing, does finding homes for your fish seem to be increasing also? Just wondering if you have a difficult time finding homes for your fish. Do you have a local pet store that you can offer your fish to them to sell?

Also, I too hope that you continue to keep us posted on your plight with your contractor. I wish you luck in all of this mess.

Patti

CarolsCritterCare · 06-17-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly68

By the way, he is called a Pacu. He is a cousin to the pirahna. Where pirahna's are meat eaters their cousin the Pacu are vegetarians. They can get up to 3 feet and are one of the most common fish that people find disposable.

WOW that is a big fish!! Fresh water fish?
Carol

Kelly68 · 06-17-2008, 11:06 PM

The turn around on my fish varies. Some go very quick and others I have here for months. It takes that special someone looking for that special fish. So it is well worth it when one that has been here a long time finds someone who comes in and falls in love with them. I do have stores that buy some. I also have others who service tanks in doctors offices, clinics, banks etc that get a lot of my stuff. So it is cool to walk into the doctors office and say..."Hey, that's my fish!"

Carol, that fish is a freshwater fish. It's cousin the pirahna is a meat eater as the Pacu is a vegetarian. He is happy in his new home. He is the favorite out of everyone there and still shows his great personality. I miss him though. I was told he is a vaccuum....eats anything and everything and is a messy guy. :-)

Well, I am getting ready for my big rescue tomorrow. Got my buckets all ready and cleaned. I was told that the first rescue there are more fish then what I was told. So I am not sure what to expect. This will be way over 100 fish. I am guessing closer to 125 or so. I have been preparing tanks here and the day just doesn't want to end for me. But I sure am excited to go and do this and meet new people.

Patti, you brought up a point to gift certificates. These are the two places I do all my ordering from:

Brine Shrimp Direct | Quality Aquarium Fish Food Products

Pet Supplies, Dog Supplies, Cat Supplies, Pet Meds & Pet Products

I like to try and buy my food in bulk that is where the first one comes in at. But the specialty foods and items I go to the second one. A healthy fish needs a variety to stay strong. And what one doesn't have the other one does. Both are still way cheaper than the big chains by A LOT! So if anyone would like to do that too it would be awesome too.

Anyhow, I am off to bed. Lots of fish to catch, lots of driving to do. Wish me luck!

Kelly

pk · 06-18-2008, 08:58 AM

Thanks Kelly for adding the links of the places you buy your supplies from. Even though it is very important for all rescue sites to receive $$ donations to help them run, some people rather give gift certificates. Now with the links everyone has the option to choose what they would like to do in order to help our #1 WISCONSIN FISH RESCUE to stay in business.

pk · 06-18-2008, 09:04 AM

Kelly, good Luck with your big rescue today. Make sure you post all about it when you have time.

For everyone following Kelly's story this rescue is just another reminder of what Kelly does for fish in need. But rescues cost money and any donations are greatly appreciated. Just this trip alone will be costly for Kelly in gas $$ not to mention the additional food, etc.

Again, I'm looking forward to the story and perhaps a picture of your latest additions.

pk

Kelly68 · 06-18-2008, 09:05 PM

Man, what a day this has been. I am going to make this short and sweet. Everyone is acclimated into their new tanks. Only one fatality. And I am so sad about that.

With over 120 fish I guess I shouldn't complain. It just had to be one of two that were like no other.

I will post some pictures when they get settled in and calm down. This was quite the adventure and took a lot of planning and some emergency switching around as I thought I was going to lose more than that. Quick thinking saved those. This is one rescue I will never forget. Met some awesome people.

I really hurt my back today. I cannot get in and out of a chair by myself. My son had to help me get out of my car when I got back. But once in an upright position I was able to get back into work mode and get everyone in their tanks. I have to go feed now and then I am calling it a day. I can work through the pain, too many lives are counting on me ... so I couldn't give up.

Thanks for the kind words Patti. As always!

Kelly68 · 06-20-2008, 09:32 PM

Well hopefully tomorrow I can get some good pictures of the new arrivals. They are doing very well. A few won't eat yet...at least not that I have seen. But will post some pictures of some of these beauties.....watch out Kris, may be a few after your own heart.

Well, still can't say too much...but we had the building inspector in to take a look at this guys work. Of course he found several things that were not up to code that he said this guy should have known about. He felt bad for me but he can only do what the "inspector" part of his job entails..not like he didn't want to do more I think. I had to pay $65 for a permit for a job that is over a year old now for the inspector to come in. We have an ordinance or something down them lines that say any major plumbing, electrical, HVAC, structural etc...work that is done has to have a permit. If the contractor doesn't supply it, it is his job to tell the homeowner about it. Well, I found out the hard way...and got my butt chewed something fierce that it wasn't done and he would not come in until I paid $65 (like I had that lying around just to spend on a piece of paper). Needless to say, I was not happy.

Anyhow, check back for pictures.

Kelly68 · 06-26-2008, 12:43 PM

As promised here are some pictures of my new arrivals from last week. They are all doing wonderful.

These are the new oscars (pictures don't do them justice..they are perfect and BIG):

Here are the bushfish and scat (large fish):

Some silver dollars (have a total of 6 about 4 inches in diameter) and two eels:

Catfish (total of 6):

one of the puffers (they didn't like their picture taken):

Whole bunch of differerent cichlids:

Some of the community fish (so many to chose from and to mention):

Again, there is so much more, but hard to get them to sit still for pictures. Fast little buggers! Hope to find homes for them ASAP as it took up a lot of space to house all these fish. Not to mention some are sooooo messy!!!!!

All part of fish keeping.

The investigator is on vacation this week. He will be back on Monday and continue to work on the case. I know he has a few interviews when he comes back. I am in desperate need of getting this resolved. He told me I have to be patient. To get a great case it all takes time. He is so nice to work with and I know he will do his best for me. The bills are killing me and lack of donations has really hurt us. Especially after these large rescues. They really would have came in handy. So please, we are always in the need of supplies, food, etc. I have really cut back on my breeding to help save energy costs for now...but when I cut back my breeding I also took away a large chunk of the money for the rescue too. It was a catch 22 I think. My bills are so extremely high. I have to pay $620 today...this is just for this month. I am on a awful payment plan to keep the rescue open but I have to continue to make sacrifices and hope others will keep their hearts open til the problem is fixed.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Without me these fish would have been buried in the garden and destroyed. How people can do that is beyond me.

**Kris10** · 06-26-2008, 01:23 PM

The white Oscar is just gorgeous. So tempting! We're still in such disarray at my house I'm afraid to bring any new fish home. Maybe when most of our downstairs construction is done.

CarolsCritterCare · 06-27-2008, 04:19 PM

Excellent photo's of the fish!!

pk · 06-27-2008, 04:29 PM

yes..I love your pics Kelly.
Makes me almost want to put a tank back up.

CarolsCritterCare · 06-27-2008, 04:31 PM

My tank holds a malasyan box turtle right now.