Angie George asked if anybody had encountered trouble with their jobs
and having ferrets.  I think it depends on where you work.  Some public
office building have no pet policies.  I also think it is better to sort
of pave the way before you might need to bring the ferrets in.  When I
got the job I have now, I told my supervisor that there may be times I
would need to bring a ferret in to be able to take it to the vet or to
give supportive care.  I made sure my boss understood how important my
ferrets are to me.
 
I also made arrangements to bring in a couple of ferrets when no one was
ill so I could educate my co-workers about ferrets.  Whenever anyone
makes rude comments when they find out that I have ferrets, I always look
at it as an opportunity to educate someone about how wonderful ferrets
are as pets.
 
I feel very fortunate to work in an office with a very broad policy
regarding pets.  As long as it doesn't create a great disturbance, we
are allowed to bring pets into the office.
 
You may need to educate your co-workers more.  Many times, once someone
gets to hold a ferret or play with one, they realize that ferrets don't
stink, bite, have rabies, and are not rats, but you will probably need
to do some work to get them there.
 
Melanee Ellis
"The Ferret Lady"
www.ferretlady.org
[Posted in FML issue 4029]