[Forwarded with permission from Phyllis who is not on the FML]
 
This is my attempt to make people aware of what transpired with the Utah
ferrets.  The people that undertook this rescue had a big enough problem
on their hands just arranging suitable transportation and lining up
shelters to place the 235 little ones in.  Just when they thought that
everything was ready the events at the WTC on 9/11 occurred.  But the
rescue had to go on, even though they d lost some of their transporters
due to the tragedy.  These men and women went above and beyond the call of
duty by helping these poor ferrets.  Also to be commended is a  friend
that heard about this desperate situation and unknowingly put the wheels
in motion by making one phone call to the one person that she thought
could pull of this rescue.
 
The Saga of the Utah Kids
by Phyllis Elledge
[log in to unmask]
 
From way out West, over Utah way
A call for help went out one day.
Some ferrets were found in a shelter (some say)
And need to be rescued . . . now . . . right away!
Most have no food, water or beds
Some poor babies are almost dead.
So, please, if you hear me, call me today
Before they can spirit these ferrets away.
 
So word was sent out, all over the land
To shelters and others to please lend a hand.
There are a lot -- two hundred or more;
The house looks like a warehouse, a huge ferret store.
For once they came here their journey was done
They werent allowed to be adopted!  Not by anyone!
They were all kept in cages, stacked up to the ceiling
Collected by someone without any feelings.
 
To be looked at and talked to, but not much more;
Never cuddled or hugged, or placed on the floor
To dance, dook and play and just have some fun
Or just sit by a window in the warmth of the sun.
Filthy cages and blankets is all that they have
And these poor fuzzy babies all look so sad.
Theyre thin and theyre dirty, and havent eaten today
Theyve got be rescued . . . be taken away.
 
So everyone rallied, there were plans to make
And in this situation they could afford no mistakes.
How would they move them?  Where would they go?
Were just a few of the things they all needed to know.
And what about food?  And medical attention?
And many more details too numerous to mention.
They would save the ferrets, all of them, too!
For surely God would help, let them know what to do.
 
They found they were safe, in authorities hands
So they contacted them and told them their plan.
If you will let us have them well take them away
And theyll all be in good shelters in just a few days.
We have trucks and vans to transport them in
So please say yes, so that we may begin
To rescue the little ones, every last one
Were anxious for this lifesaving deed to be done.
 
The go-ahead given, transporters started to roll
All were anxious to go, lest death take its toll.
For more little ones were sick than they had expected
And time was life for these kids whod been rejected
By people that did what they thought was right
And took them to a shelter, little knowing their plight.
So on and on the transporters rolled
We have to save them, everybody was told.
 
That they had to get to them as fast as they could
And hopefully soon their lives would be good.
Cause theyd all be with people that really cared
And would have food and water and medical care.
Their beds would be soft, and would smell so good!!
Theyd have clean cages . . . and no more cat food!
All would get kind words, playtime and love
And hopefully there would only be one more move.
 
Suddenly the ferrets were frightened!  There were people everywhere.
But you could tell by their voices that they really cared!
These poor little ones didnt know what was going on
They thought this place was their Forever Home.
Every last cage was inspected, and the people so mad
That someone was able to treat these ferrets so bad.
But not anymore!  Theyd all be loaded in trucks
And headed for somewhere theyd have better luck!
 
All of the creatures were so very grateful
To be leaving this place so vile and hateful.
And when the cages were all placed in open spaces
You could see the joy on their little faces.
The ones that were able danced around
Knowing that they had finally been found.
And Im sure there were tears in their little eyes
As they left this place that they all despised.
 
And as each one was placed in a nice clean bed
It managed to raise its tired fuzzy head
And offer a kiss, at least one or two,
To those people that cared so much to do
This charitable act of kindness for ones so small
When there were so many who wouldnt care at all.
As each cage was placed in a truck and secured with a rope
In each tiny face you could see there was hope.
 
When the trucks were loaded they hit the road
Heading cross country with their precious load.
Some went to Washington, Wyoming and Texas
Even Oklahoma, Ohio and some to Kansas.
Missouri and Florida took some that day
And some stayed at shelters along the way.
When the trip was over, the deliveries done
Every little one was in a good home.
 
Most were sick, all dirty and underfed
But right now what they needed was a nice clean bed.
Theyd all get fresh water and something to eat
And if anyone wanted they would have a treat!!
They had all been saved, but the job wasnt done
All needed the care of a vet, a really good one.
So now the calls started, the posts and requests
And if money was short theyd just do their best.
 
Its been over six months and Im happy to say
That many little ones are in Forever Homes today.
But some were too sick or injured or scared
So they live at the shelters and get extra care.
For theyll have special needs for the rest of their lives
And the shelters the best place for these little guys.
Theyll get lots of love, and all that they need
For the rest of the lives, however long that may be.
 
This was a mission of compassion and love
And we really should thank the Man up above
For allowing so many to rally and go
Clear cross the country and let everyone know
That what was happening in Utah was not acceptable
And that this act of cruelty is totally contemptible.
And anyone that harms Gods creatures thus so
Should be locked in a cage . . . and never let go.
 
This is dedicated to everyone (you know who you are, and the names are just
too numerous to list) that helped in any way with the rescue of the Utah
Kids.  This was an unselfish act of love and you should all be commended.
[Posted in FML issue 3754]