I posed a thought the other day.  It was for us to all look at ALL sides
of peoples conditions and to help them, and mostly help their ferrets.
There have been really polite, but direct and well worded posts from
people on this topic.  It doesnt' matter what their opinion is as long
as it is intelligent and put in a thoughful manner.  That way we can all
learn.  I have been ecstactic about the wonderful posts on a topic that
normally ignites horrendous flames or starts mud slinging at each other
etc.  Discussion, exploration and debate is the way.
 
Why am I replying to this post?  Because I support it.  Pick up your jaws
people.  And suppress that urge to bicker and preach and just listen for
a moment.  I know this post was brutal.  Very, very brutal.  It was
dramatic, and will trigger huge emotions in all sorts of ways.  This
persons feelings and experiences are not reflective of my own... but I
support it.
 
     If potential ferret owners... saw.... that there is a reality to
ferrets.... then maybe less would be dumped, yes?  I mean oh my God the way
these petstores push baby ferrets here, and make them out to be like cute
little hamsters is outragious.  They should be compared more to that of a
monkey, no?  lol. I mean they truly require that much care, and they truly
are that much of a companion rather than a pet.
 
I also think its important............no vital........ that people can
vent any frustration or hardship here.  It will help lead them to come to
a solutions for themselves and for them to find a kind of peace with their
situation.  I think we should feel free to vent any feelings we have here
so that we may support one another through these feelings.  That way we
can hope they are transient, and not overwhelming in the long run for
someone.  Venting is how we learn and work things out.  Most importantly,
gosh if potential ferret owners could see some sort of... I dont'
know..... statement or paper... entited with a similar topic line as this
post..  with some REALISTIC sides to living with ferrets, then people
wouldn't put on unrealistic expectations on ferrets that can lead to
unhappiness for the human and ferret.  I have to admit, most people that
approach me, or the local petstore cage of babies, don't have what it
"takes" to be a ferret owner.  No way in heck.  And I try to prepare that
person for all the reality of it all.  Its a hard juggle.  I mean you know
at the same time I'm trying to rid them of any outragious stereotypes of
them (that they stink like skunks, or are wild animals, etc).  But gosh
lets be honest..... there are tons of people out there I would love to
smack in the face with this posts sort of raw reality lol.  Always staying
positive-- Da Wolfy
 
Please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/
for information on ferret deafness:
http://www.geocities.com/wolfysluv/deaf.html
[Posted in FML issue 3581]