I received some devastating news today and I feel there's no choice but to
close my shelter to any new rescues.
The Utah kids arriving her in Jacksonville were possibly exposed to ADV in
MO. There was a positive diagnoses at a stopover there along with another
problem of getting all these ferrets mixed up so we have no way of knowing
who was bonded with who.
Also along the way, these were kids were exposed to and have coccidia.
All were vet checked last night and there's varying degrees of problems
which I'll go into at a later date. Right now with the majority very ill,
dehydrated, upper respiratory infections that's spreading and a couple
with bloody poops, I have to devote my time to them. More than half have
to be given fluids and some, forced feedings. So far, there are a few
that still feel good, thankfully.
It's heartwrenching to see them so sick, especially after what they've
been through. I had so looked forward to getting them here, showering
them with love, kisses and cuddles then sending them on to other shelters
and private homes to receive the care and love they deserve. They are
some of the sweetest ferrets you'll every meet. All love to be cuddled
and there's quite a few kissers. The ones who feel well are bouncing,
dancing and so happy to have freedom.
I won't go into my feelings about the "probable" ADV exposure at this
time. You can imagine. Regardless of whether these kids were exposed or
not, with a positive ADV confirmed in MO yesterday, I received notice of
it today, I have to assume they were and act accordingly.
Physically and financially, I cannot keep all the kids and will come up
with a plan once I have time to think. I can probably keep around 10 and
become an ADV shelter for FL but I still have to limit how many as I just
cannot do it alone.
There's many local friends who had pitched in to help prepare for these
kids while I was helping coordinate transportation and helped even more
since the kids arrival. Many thanks to Shelley, Amy, Kim, Gen, Tiffany,
Chris and Jamie. I couldn't do it without you.
To those expecting to take some of these kids home, you have to decide
whether you want to risk exposing your kids or not. It's a very serious
virus that each need to research and learn about prior to making your
decision. If I had the choice of taking in an ADV kid and risking the
lives of my existing kids, I'd have to say no.
As it is, my kids have been confined to one room since the Utah kids
arrived. I have not touched them or gone into their room. They're
getting plenty of care and play times with friends though and I don't
think they miss mommy too much yet. I do miss them. Very much.
Please think seriously before making your decision as these kids are too
ill to go anywhere right now.
There's many supplies still needed and especially donations to my vet and
directly to me here at the shelter. With the mix-up of the ferrets, I'm
still having to separate ones that won't get along so basic supplies of
water bottles, maybe 4-5, same number of food bowls as the tiny plastic
ones just don't work. Bedding has to be changed frequently and I'm all
out. The guys that have sleep sacks just love them plus the ill ones seem
to like the hanging sleep sacks. Any & all medical supplies and cleaning
products are needed. Litter. We badly need litter! The cost of shipping
is much too much so a gift certificate to PetsMart which is close by would
be idea. If you can help, please do. These kids need you. So do I.
I understand a few donations have come into SOS and that's wonderful.
The ladies of SOS give unselfishly of their time and energy, money out
of their own pockets, etc. for their love of ferrets. I hope the
insinuations because someone is disgruntled doesn't make them feel their
efforts are not appreciated. I've been a recipient from SOS at a time
when I badly needed help for a very sick boy. There are countless others
who have been helped. Please don't let any grievance or jealousy harm the
ferrets we all love.
Best to all,
Jackie
[Posted in FML issue 3547]
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