Hello,
 
I just wrote and sent my letter friday to Alderman Ed Burke in protest of
including ferrets in a ban of "wild and exotic" animals in Chicago.  I
was very polite, but stressed the facts that ferrets are domesticated,
loving PETS, unable to survive on their own and completely depend on
their owners for all care, and are the 3rd most popular companion animal
in the United States, and do not carry monkey pox.
 
We need to educate others on these facts and show that ferrets are pets,
not some wild, unpredictable dangerous animal that spreads diseases.  I
also wrote on ferret stationary and sent a couple really cute pictures
along with to personalize the letter.  I sent one picture of my ferrets
all cuddled up and napping together (guaranteed to melt your heart!  LOL)
 
If you want to send a letter to support the ferret community in Chicago,
pictures are a good way to demonstrate that these animals are pets and
part of the family, especially if you have any pictures of ferrets
cuddling or giving kisses to their people.  Also any pictures of them
with children would be good.
 
Even if you live out of state, remember all support is welcome.  If a
ferret ban can happen here, it can happen anywhere!
 
Thanks to everyone who has called or written in support!  We all need to
stick together on this.
 
Thanks again,
Suzi Lambert
P.S the web site for Ed Burke and other city officials is
http://www.chicityclerk.com/citycouncil/alderman/find.html
[Posted in FML issue 4250]