Dear All,

I hate moments like this. Someone gets a ferret, and the landlord is
on solid ground that it's a no pet apartment. That family is facing
eviction if the ferret is not removed by Monday, Sept. 10th. If there
is anyone in the St. Mary's Co MD area able to pick up this ferret,
we can maneuver a transport up to Rocky's. So, please contact me ASAP
Barb Clay 410 329-6111
cell: 410 790-7505
[log in to unmask]
This situation is so common, but in this instance, it's a great
distance away, with unknown recourse. So, it's an ER ASAP rescue.

I understand the need to stealth a pet, for one's joy and comfort.
However, sooner or later it's known, and the show down of eviction
happens. The family loses, and the ferret loses. Such is the case here.

It's been a horrible dump season here in Maryland, and I'm sure it's
everywhere. We can educate on a one-to-one basis with meet-n-greets,
and God knows there's enough info on the internet with how to care
for a ferret. There's just one thing missing in all of this, ......
commitment. Commitment is missing in so many lives, let alone with
the devotion to pets.

Commitment includes, but not limited to, making sure the home is
suitable and legal; that you've mapped out your life for the next ten
(?) years to physically and financially be reponsible for the care of
any pet you bring into your home.

In all we do, with our best efforts to educate the public, we just
can't seem to instill the moral ethic of loving forever. This has
become such a disposable society, and our pets in general are every day
cast aside as the caregivers feel "they just don't have enough time".

As much as a burden they've become on shelters, I angst for those that
just don't get it. When all else fails in their life, whether it be a
day, a month, or a lifetime, their pets will be the ones that give
uncondtional love and bring a smile when the world has no other
emotional uplift to offer them. Incredibly, as heavy a burden on the
shelters to care for their discarded pets, the burden upon them that
surrender will be ten-fold as they try to manage life without the
support of the unconditional love and laughter of their pet, and
especially is true with ferrets. Ferrets teach us so much; For me,
the most important lesson is to live in the moment, and laugh.

What about you all. What have your ferrets taught you?

This is the month that shelters are generally innudated. We've been
getting the strays that ran out the door, while the kids are at home,
and screen windows are convenient for a scratch and get out. It's time
for college bound kids, that got ferrets when they were 14 yrs old, to
forgo their commitment to love them, and the parents that are suppose
to be parenting these kids, are the ones crying "it's the kid's pet,
not mine". The folks that celebrated New Years 2007, are now having
oops babies, and "need" to get rid of their ferrets, that are occupying
the otherwise, baby room.

So, as best we can, as shelters, we deal with them on a one-to-one
basis. So, anyone in St.Mary's County Maryland? Ferret du jour, St.
Mary's Co, is on the menu for now.

We do our best, and pray for the best results as we try to consistenly
work the community about commitment. Commitment, it's the biggest
hurdle I see everyday. Lack of commitment; collateral damage are the
companion pets.

Affectionately,
Barb Clay
Dir of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's
www.rockysferrets.com
CELEBRATING 12 YEARS AS A FERRET SHELTER/RESCUE

[Posted in FML 5725]