Warning warning warning! The FML is likely now the target of intense
scrutiny by homeland security for the numerous instances of the word
"kill" or "Killing" used in a flurry of posts! Thankfully the red flag
words haven't been used in conjunction with "Barack Obama" oh wait a
minute, I think they have! uh oh - we'll all have to take our ferrets
and flee!
This list is a collection of folks from all areas of the country, all
ages and various ranges of ferret experience. I like that people post
freely their ideas, experiences and rebuttals. SO far no one has used
any swear words or syntax suggestive of such poor vocabulary. So I
don't see why its necessary to "remember there are children reading
this list so don't write something which could upset them - or some
adults either".
As a parent and animal caregiver, I exposed my child to all aspects
of animal care for various kinds of animals. from Fish tohamsters, to
guinea pigs to lizards to cats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, birds and horses.
I didn't get ferrets until I was experiencing "empty nest syndrome". I
took the responsible role of parenthood to inform, guide and provide my
child with factual researched information regarding the animals in our
care. We enjoyed the animals when they were born, and nurtured and
nourished them through their lives. Some were rescues, some were
strays, some were purchases. We interacted with all our animals and
provided them good environments. I did not shield my child from the
harder parts of pet care like illness, sacrifice or death. Would that
be considered insensitive or harsh? Not in my book; but possibly in
many others' book.
It is my personal opinion that all too often in today's world there is
too much importance placed upon molly coddling the children and don't
let them see anything that might cause them to get upset. I grew up in
the era of Walt Disney's original happy ending stories. But I also know
what's real life and what's fantasy.
If there are children reading this list, then good for them! They'll
discover things about their ferrets they may never have discovered!
Reading what others do and experience with their ferrets will broaden
the horizons as well as the minds of the "children"! If you as a parent
feel that any of these discussions are too grown up for your children
than YOU as a parent should censor their reading - NOT censor the
authors!
As for any adults that feel some of these posts are too informative,
graphic or contain topics of which they'd rather not read I say, "Oh
Grow UP!" This is the REAL world, NOT Disney world! We don't all have
to agree on the same thing, nor do we all have to like what is written.
But we should be able to appreciate that another person's views can be
shared with out worrying if it may upset us. If it does upset us, then
we know at least one thing - our opinion is different from theirs! And
we have the ability to write back and let them know!
The recent posts regarding ferrets true nature and their delight,
desire and ability to kill rodents and other animals which may also be
viewed as pets have been informative without being too graphic about
the actual process of the killing. Ferrets are designed for hunting
small burrowing animals. They are designed to capture and hold fast to
animals in a death grip for that killing bite. Anyone that looks at the
structure of the ferret cannot deny this. Looking at the ferret's skull
and teeth is a billboard proclaiming what is in their genes. So talking
about what is so natural for ferrets to do offers information that
shouldn't be swept under the rug because it might upset a preconceived
idea of what the human thinks a ferret should be.
By the way my predatory, carnivorous ferrets all will freely climb in
my lap, give me smooches on the lips and enjoy a cuddle, or a raspberry
on their belly or engage me in a game of tag. So while they get to be
natural ferrets when it comes to their food, their domestic side shines
through when they snuggle with me! This to me is the best of BOTH
worlds!
Cheers,
Kim
[Posted in FML 6225]
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