To steffbear:
 
I am very upset as I type this note.
 
It is probably hard for you to resist taking that ferret, but you obviously
know this is a bad idea from a legality standpoint.  Good for you on that.
Here are my recommendations:
 
1) Talk to the owner.  Perhaps he will realize that he does not have time
for the furkid and as a result will allow you to have or foster the little
guy.  He may just be naive or maybe he is stupid, I do not know, but with
the cold approaching, now it is time to act.
 
2) If the man tells you to "buzz off", then I would contact the authorities
to come and get the ferret (along with your inpute of wanting to adopt him).
 
3) If the authorities wont do anything, you then need to climb up there and
put supplies in the cage (blanket, etc) and it certainly would not hurt to
give him proper food.  I don't think anyone would arrest you for this, you
are not stealing and at the very most, you are trespassing (misdemeanor in
my state).
 
I bet that if you beg and plead (nicely) with this man, he will see the
error in his ways and probably let you take the ferret or even let you
bring it in your home for play time, etc...maybe even offering him money
as an option would be good?
 
You are a very kind soul and that ferret is lucky to have you as its
"guardian angel".
 
Keep us posted.
[Posted in FML issue 3224]