Just a quick note on my experience as an asthmatic and pet owner.  I am
possessed (in more ways than 1 :- ) by 7 beautiful ferrets, 5 equally
beautiful cats and a gorgeous little parrot.  The specialist told me they
MUST go.  I said that was NOT an option.
 
The result is that I vacuum daily, make sure the cages of both the ferrets
and bird are kept as spotless as possible, dustfree litter is used for
the cats and wood pellets for the ferrets.  All furry loves are brushed
daily-if there's time to pet them, that time can be used to brush them in
the same session (and they love it so much they come running when they
see the brush because that's "special" time for each one.
 
In the past 2 years I've only had 2 severe asthma attacks that required
hospitalization but since I was having minor heart attacks at the same time
it was just as well.  Prior to that there were no problems for 3 years.
Cleanliness seems to be one of the most important factors and keeping the
ferrets natural odor to a minimum also seems to help.  My fuzzies only get
washed once a month but the hammies get changed every other day.  It's
work, but if like me you feel the fuzzbutts and other pets are worth it
then it makes the work all that much easier.
 
Good luck to you and your dad and anyone else out there who thinks they
have to get rid of pets because of allergies.
 
Almost forgot-wiping the ferts down with plain old distilled water on a
cloth will also help keep the dander down without producing too much
replacement oils on the fur.  I do that about 2-3 times a week.  Again the
ferts and cats like the individual attention so they put up with it now.
 
Sorry to be so mouthy but I wanted to let people know you don't have to get
rid of pets because of allergies/asthma
[Posted in FML issue 3161]