The story of Toons was very heart rending - right out of the Old Yeller
school.  Sounds like she was a real sweetheart.  Steve, I have to admire you
for crafting such a well-written recap under such emotional stress.  Your
loss is great.
 
This story and others posted about ferrets left waiting in cars made me
think.  Heat is not the only threat they face.  What if that open windowed
car were stolen? Or just the ferret complete with cage and other accessories
were?  About a year ago in Boston a family on tour from the West left their
gear laden car with 2 Lab pups (about 8 months old)  parked as they took in
the sights.  When they came back they found the car and contents continued
on without them.   Their biggest concern was for the dogs.  After 3 or 4
days of heavy media pleas, the dogs turned up (but nothing else, including
the perps.).
 
My job involves doing a lot of risk analysis.  Both the probability of an
event and its impact are considered.   1 in a 1,000,000 chance is the usual
level for acceptable risk.  In the ferret-waiting-in-the-car case the ferret
is a 3rd party (innocent bystander).  They did not willingly take on the
risk or gain any benefit from it.  For this reason a 3rd party is given
greater protection.  Then there is the chance that some one could come up
and play with the animal since the open window and its cuteness are so
attractive.  If something should happen.......(remember the US has the
highest per capita lawyer ratio in the world).  Then there is the Fitch type
dash.  I'll leave you to go on.
 
I don't think anybody would dispute that the unexpected loss of a ferret can
have a dire impact.  Given the combined threats of heat stress and others
mentioned above, I would not give an unwanted event a very low probability.
This leaves an unacceptable risk level.  Please, I don't want to any more
stories like that of Toons.  Is it worth leaving your ferret unattended in a
car for any reason?
 
Sometimes it's not the heat, it's the humanity.
 
      'Till next time.......... Rudy the ferlosopher
[Posted in FML issue 1141]