I think there will never be enough words of praise that can be said for
Kim & Stan and Anne & Jim for taking in these ferrets.  It is also very
heartwarming to see how people from all over have pitched in to help these
little ones who were left homeless.
 
Since I was lucky enough to be able to visit the ferrets at Anne and Jim's
home, I can easily say that they deserve a week at Disney World after all
the little ones have been adopted.  To be able to take in 60+ (or however
many) animals at a moment's notice--and to be able to house them in
comfort--is an unbelievable tribute to their dedication, energy and
organizational skills.  The ferrets are warm and cozy with everything they
could possibly need for now, until they each find their own home.  I can't
imagine taking in this many animals immediately and having such a
well-organized, well-run set-up.
 
However, this has also caused a lot of people to stop and put everything on
hold to take care of this urgent situation.  And everyone was very lucky
that the Animal Control Officer and local shelter were very sympathetic
and wanted to help the ferrets--in another location, with different people,
this could have had a very different ending.
 
PLEASE make arrangements for your animals if anything should happen to
you--in all fairness to the animals and to everyone who must get involved
to take care of them afterwards.  Especially if you live alone, and even
if you don't, please have a plan and designated people who can be easily
contacted and who can get to your animals immediately should something
happen to you.  I would be very interested in hearing other people's
suggestions.
 
Here is my plan:
- I carry the names and phone numbers of several people in my wallet to be
  contacted in an emergency. These people have a key to my house and can
  feed the animals.
 
- In my house next to my phone are the names and numbers of several people
  to call in an emergency.  I also have listed which animals are in the
  house and where.
 
- I have 2 people who will coordinate the placement of my animals should
  something happen to me.  Each of these people has the following:
 
A sealed envelope with a key to my home taped to the outside of the
envelope.  On the envelope is the date it was sent.  With the death or
addition of a pet, I will send a new envelope and the old one is to be
thrown out.
 
Inside the envelope are the names and descriptions of all my animals, vet
name and number, foods, and any other critical info that would help someone
take care of them.  Then there is a long list of friends and phone numbers;
these are people to be contacted about adopting one or more animals.
Everything is broken down very specifically; I have 3 homes for my (one)
dog; a number of people for my cats (certain people for certain cats,
etc.); and a number of people for my ferrets.  Some people are close
friends; others are people I don't see very often but who I know would
provide a very good home for one or more of my animals.  I have listed as
many people as possible who could give a good home, since people's living
situations may change.
 
Obviously, if you only have one or 2 animals in your care, this is a lot
simpler.  I also have arrangements with money and payment for the people
coordinating this whole effort, which will hopefully never happen.
 
I would be very interested in hearing other people's ideas and suggestions.
 
Ronnie
[Posted in FML issue 3286]