[Forwarded for Diane by [log in to unmask] (Shari). BIG]
>Yet, another baby ferret abandon by their owners and left in the apartment
>for at least 5 days. But this isn't the saddest part... Saturday night
>when the neighbor called with news the tenants moved and they were hearing
>screaming noises from the apartment. When the landlord arrived to
>investigate, they found an abandon ferret. They called the humane society
>in Charlotte whom gave them my number and they immediately called me. I
>was at the meeting in Raleigh at the time and did not get home till almost
>10 pm. When I heard the message, I returned the call but only got an
>answering machine. So I left a message.
>
>Sunday, 5pm, I received a return call and scheduled to meet them to pick
>up the baby. He told me he gave her some water and found a cup of food on
>the counter. (turned out to be hamster pellets) Since he had no knowledge
>of ferrets he called a couple of pet stores to see if they would take her
>but was quickly told no. So he then ask what he should do for her and was
>told to give her any kind of food and some water and she would be fine.
>He knew this was not true and said he didn't think she would make it
>another day because she was weak since there wasn't A/C and it was a
>small, dirty cage. I had no idea how small or the condition she was in.
>When I arrived, I was totally unprepared for what I saw. It was
>completely heartbreaking and knocked me to my knees!
>
>She was in a small aquarium with the lid taped down with duck tape,
>floating in an inch or more of urine and poop. Completely covered in the
>foul, flopping from side to side, her little face looking up at me in pure
>hope I was there to help. Ripping at the tape to open the lid, she cried
>out as she struggled to get to me. The smell and heat from fermenting
>foul took my breath away. Wanting to vomit, I held my breath as I scooped
>her up in my hands. She was gasping for air and so hot it burned my hands
>to touch her. Quickly, the landlord turned on the water (no power so it
>was cold), I rinsed her off as best I could.
>
>Wrapping her a cleaning rag to dry her off, we noticed blisters all over
>her. really couldn't see much in the light from the flashlight, so decided
>to get her as quickly as I could, back up to our emergency vet on the way
>home. She laid in my lap, weakly rubbing to dry herself and eventually,
>gobbled at the food I offered. After a few bites, she crawled in my shirt
>and went to sleep. I was too afraid to check on her lest I find her not
>breathing. She never moved again till we reached the vet. Once there,
>in decent light, she is covered in blisters and urine burns. Her little
>ears are infested with ear mites and she is covered in fleas. Severely
>dehydrated, Dr. Heimen started subQ fluids which perked her right up. We
>then cleaned her up and treated the burns and an injection of antibiotic.
>Her knees turn in and feet out. She can not stand on them at all and has
>absolutely no muscle tone. X-rays showed no signs of broken bones so we
>have come to the conclusion she has never been out of the aquarium. Her
>age is no more than 6 months, if that.
>
>She slept in my shirt all the way home. Once in the house, I put her down
>and she cried to be picked back up. Tony fixed her a nice cage with all
>the warm, fuzzy sleep ware, but once in, she continued to cry and get to
>me. So there was no choice but to allow her to sleep in my shirt (a clean
>one because of the foul smell in the other) all night. Even while I was
>taking care of other ferrets/ cages/ meds, she never moved a muscle.
>Today, she is scooting around like a fish out of water and I started
>physical therapy/ water therapy on her legs. She is eating chicken gravy
>and kibble like there is no tomorrow. There is a big difference in the
>severity of the sores/ burns and think she is going to make it! Please
>remember her in your prayers and if you would like to help sponsor her or
>one of the other special needs ferrets, it will be greatly appreciated.
>
>The landlord has taken pictures of the aquarium and we have done so of
>her. This will not be forgotten or excused for we intend to prosecute
>these people for animal cruelty as soon as we find them!!!!
>
>"Squiggles" (her temporary name) will see them in court and will have
>justice one way or another! Always in need of your help and loving you
>for it,
>
> Ferret Guardian Rescue Haven
> 111 Bay Berry Court
> Statesville, NC 28677
> www.FerretGuardian.org
> (919) 872-9538
>
>Thank you for your assistance!
[Posted in FML issue 3139]
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