A long time ago a wise friend told me that I should accept help as
graciously as it is given. When we help another it makes us feel good
and also gives us a small opportunity to contribute to the care of
the ferrets.

I know from personal experience how overwhelming it can be to try to
care for a large group of ferrets when you aren't feeling well or are
injured. Each day can be a struggle. When it comes to that point it is
important to contact others for help, whether it is friends or family
members. Shutting others out isn't the answer. Remember that it is for
the ferrets that we do what we do and as long as they are our little
charges we need to push ourselves beyond human limits, and when we need
help, for the sake of the ferrets we need to ask. Those that volunteer
to help should do so with a loving heart, not to harm another but to
better the situation for everyone involved. Working together can make
all the difference to our little charges.

I'm saddened for the loss of lives and the heartache in the recent
confiscation situation. I hope that we all learn from this situation
that it is better to ask for help than to let things get so far out
of hand that the ferrets may suffer for it.

And please remember, it isn't a number issue, it is a care issue. Some
people can properly care for large groups, while others may only be
able to care for smaller groups. Older and sick ferrets require more
intensive care at times.

On the ferrets that were euthanized in this recent situation, I wonder
how many would have lived if a ferret knowledgeable caretaker had
been involved with the confiscation. Sub-q fluids can make a world of
difference when a little one is dehydrated and recipe can do the same
for malnutrition. This we may never know.

tle
www.ferretfamilyservices.org

[Posted in FML 5869]