Marguerite and Jen, please don't tell me that people don't abuse
ferrets, animals, or even people because they are deaf.  They do.  Any
audiologist, professional, or likewise deaf person on the FML can tell
you this happens to people.  Because they are deaf.  They are open to
ignorance from society whether it's purposeful or not.  Just trying to
get by day to day in a hearing world or society can be a challenge.
Shelter operators will also tell you, that a deaf ferret does have
different challenges than a hearing ferret.  And, they are, open to abuse
more than a hearing ferret.  Not commonly.  But it happens.  I shouldn't
have to re-explain myself.  I did so quite eloquently in my original post
and in quite a bit of detail of how an abusive situation can potentially
be set up for the ferret (not commonly once again, but it does).
 
You are both right.  If a person is apt to abuse they will do it.  They
wont' do it just because a ferret is deaf.  But there is abuse that is
non purposeful that occurs when a difference/handicap is unseen.  The
tension, confusion, that is felt between a hearing individual towards a
non hearing individual.  The untold expectations that a hearing being
puts onto a non hearing being.  Tiny things add up, such as startling and
being rude to a person/ferret because you do not know that they are deaf.
It's just one more notch against them.  Just like my autistic son, has
one more obstacle, and one more thing that can be taken advantage of by
others.
 
Marguerite, please don't misunderstand or twist my words or intent in my
post either.  I want to focus on the meaning of FML posts and not syntax
(which opens people up to conflict when they actually agree on most
things).  I am the single biggest advocate for deaf ferrets on this list.
I am a friend to the non-hearing world as well.  Do know this.  I would
never hurt them intentionally.
 
I was blunt in their defense.  Did I ever say that I believed deafness is
a defect?  Never.  I said that neural crest disorders were technically,
medically, a genetic defect.  There are many health issues that can occur
with them that are not fair to the animal.  Yes, it can happen in nature.
But not often.  In fact, these disorders are rare because of natural
selection.  Deaf animals get by in nature just fine some of the time.
Neural crest animals almost never (because it's a collage of obstacles
for them to overcome).  It's sad that these conditions are now common in
the pet trade due to human influence and poor breeding.  I also said that
many customers might view a ferret of difference as defective.  And might
be apt to ask for money back, give the animal back, etc.  It happens
with all other animals that are for sale.  You sell that animal with the
garnet that it is healthy, hearing, seeing, etc.  That is why MF says
they will guarantee a ferret for example, and will make "good" on this
promise even if all that is off with the animal is deafness.  It's
business.  I was speaking from that standpoint as well.  I was clear in
that.  In addition, most deaf ferrets are not deaf "just because they are
deaf".  That would not be a huge problem for the ferret.  Even ferrets
that are deaf from trauma (mites, antibiotics, etc), make out very well
with educated (key word there) owners.  Animals that are deaf because of
an entire syndrome?  Not okay.  And they do NOT live to be nine years
old, unless it is a very unusual case.  They in fact have a shortened
life span (anecdotally).
 
People that already know me, know that I do not mince words, nor do I
engage in the witch hunts of today ... political correctness.  I am a
fun loving person.  I do not wish to offend anyone.  Ever.  I am also
the average person.  I try to reach average people with education.  Not
the minority which is seen online and on the FML who do in fact educate
themselves quite a high level.  To reach those who do not have access to
information, or are apt to be as aggressive with self educating, I keep
things simple.  I'm not saying that is the right way of doing things.
It's not always.  It's just my way, since so many are doing it in other
ways.  No sense reaching the same block of people repetitively and
leaving out others.
 
Marguerite, I was thrilled to read about the two pet stores in your area.
I'm not shocked, but surprised as it is rare.  There are those stores out
there.  But not very often.  Gosh, I wish that was the case nationwide.
I really hope that your stores are supported well.  They should be
rewarded, indeed.
 
Jen, I wanted to make sure that I understood your specific post.  Did
you mean that you took some offense to the fact that stores tend to not
realize let alone let on to customers that their ferrets are deaf, that
they don't educate customers about ferrets enough (hearing or not), that
ferrets are often returned or given up to shelters because they are deaf
or misunderstood, etc?  You were agreeing with me, right?  Or am I the
one not understanding your post and you were you not agreeing with me at
all (and in fact was misunderstanding that we agree)?  I just wanted to
be sure.  When you said you took offense to my statement, that generally
is to be understood that you didn't agree with me at all, and even were
agitated at my words.  Yet your whole post seemed to agree with me.
 
Wolfy
http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com
[Posted in FML issue 4885]