Being a new member I'm still getting my feet wet, posting a little, reading a lot. This is the first forum I've ever joined and did so when I started dealing with a respiratory issue and was feeling very much in the dark. I Googled "rat forum", read through some posts on a few, and settled here. There is such an amazing sense of community here. I rely on you guys for solid, reliable information and enjoy everyone's stories and pics. I'd be incredibly disappointed to lose you guys.
Thank you for all the work you put into keeping this forum going!
There are a couple of things that I'd like to propose:
Since most vet offices have a space where you can post notices, what about creating a snazzy flyer that we can print out and post at our vet clinics? Perhaps that would help in recruiting new members and increase activity. As a newbie I can say that I wouldn't have known about the forum unless I Googled out of desperation.
And in order to help with the financial aspect, what about a fundraiser or two? (Bake sale, online auction, etc.) I have some experience helping raise funds for the SPCA Montérégie and it's not too difficult to raise a few hundred dollars, especially if you have a strong community willing to share any connections or resources they may have access to (i.e. venue space, product donation, etc.) Any money that isn't used to put toward the yearly fees to keep The Shack running could perhaps be put into a fund to help subsidize health care.
Please don't go! Most people cringe when you say "rat"...you guys ask for pics!