I need a drink-or two

I'm having a - difficult night.  I can't be too specific as the regards of what has happened are confidential.  Basically some people were at least initially concerned about the amount of animals that I have within the rescue.  (my own animals, mainly the seven dogs) I understand the concerns being as I was no one to them.  I was just someone off the street who wanted to volunteer/foster and then I say I have seven dogs, six cats, five birds, three ferrets, one rat and a rabbit.  I would be concerned as well.  But it was very upsetting to see these things written in print from the very people I thought I was building a relationship with.  I have to say, I've always felt on the outside with some people but thought it was because I was the new girl and they were just being cautious.  Come to find out, those were the people that were also most concerned about my "situation."  I hate that I can't go into detail with this but I don't want to risk my place within the shelter or their confidence in me.  I really feel sick over this.  I didn't get to make a first impression before it was made for me.  It's very hard to reconstruct youself in others eyes.  I have went as far as offering up my entire life for inspection.  Allowing those that doubt me to come into my own and observe my animals and my life with them.  What else can I do but just be myself?  I have sent an email explaining my position and the fact that I would like it if from now on, I was confronted about concerns instead having things speculated as that's how things get misconstrued and I would prefer to address their concerns as honestly as possible.  It was very diplomatic and not at all how I was actually feeling but sometimes it's best not to say things exactly how you're feeling them at the time.  It causes hurt feelings and I was trying to mend fences.  I just hope that I managed to do that.