How exciting that was! Since us red-headed step children of ferret
sheltering down here in Florida don't get to go to shows or meet people
we know only via internet or are not even able to get some of the cool
things at shows that people sell, actually meeting someone "ferrety
famous" was great. Bob relocated his son's wife to Georgia so of
course us Floridians begged him to do a Florida visit. It started out
as a joke with us but actually became a reality. After a couple
correspondences via Facebook and a very short notice, Bob said he'd be
here Monday night. So...........I sent out emails to my friends and
posted on facebook to see if anyone around the area wanted to meet him.
Had about 7 friends there when he arrived. This was after he totally
went by the I-4 exit and ended up in Melbourne. Fortunately Jenny from
Asti's Ferret Haven was on her way over from there and waited for him
on the side of the road until he showed. He then followed her to my
place. Thanks Jenny!!

When he arrived everyone was excited to meet him. All ferret owners of
course. One of my friends from New Jersey has had ferrets for 22 years.
Everyone chipped in for food so we had plenty. I think the Cuban food
that Katrina brought was he favorite. Had to do a Florida dish! So,
after introductions and filling a plate of food we sat down to chat.
Bob immediately wanted to know if we had questions which we all did.
He talked about his "evolutionary diet" which he prefers and he and my
friend Kim (yes, who you all know from here and is very controversial
in her raw feeding) had an enjoyable discussion. He talked a lot about
different aspects of ferrets health which was very informative. I
introduced him to several of the ferrets here and he was very impressed
with my set up and the care I give my kids which really meant a lot to
me. He even got to meet the famous Simon, Jenny's ferret who survived
distemper which she brought with her to meet him. He was amazed he had
no neurological effects from it. Simon got lots of smooches!! Also got
to play tag with Kim's ferret Roman. What a cool, down to earth, funny,
intelligent and intriguing person. A jokester to say the least. And
yes, a talker :) I was warned but loved every minute of it. Here's a
pic of Bob being Bob and one of my kids:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/kmbrlyk/DSC03022JPG2.jpg

After everyone left he asked me if there was any place around where he
could see manatee in the wild. He had never seen this before and said
it was on his "bucket list". I told him about a local spot where they
frequented in the winter due to the it being a spring and water temps
there stayed warmer in the winter. This place is known to have as many
as 250 there at a time. He was excited and wanted to go. I offered to
take him the next day since I was off work and offered him a room
upstairs. In the morning I called the place to see if any manatee had
arrived yet and they said they had 53 there the previous day so off
we went. After a breakfast at a local greasy spoon restaurant and
photography equipment on board Bob got to check off one of the items on
his bucket list. He got some great pictures of the manatee, turtles, an
alligator and several water birds. The best was when a manatee and her
baby came up to get air and their mouths were together. What an awesome
shot. Here's a pic of us at Blue Springs State Park
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/kmbrlyk/DSC03011JPG2.jpg

After we returned home, he was off to the Everglades to get yet more
pictures. Well it was a great visit and we all enjoyed ourselves
greatly. He's welcome back anytime. Thanks Bob!!

Kim Kelly
Stinky Pete's Ferret Retreat

-- 
We will not know peace until all of the unprotected and unloved are
encircled by strong, caring arms.    www.sunbearsquad.org

[Posted in FML 6885]