A call came in to the shelter, "I really need to give up my ferret, the
Humane Society gave me your number," said a young man on the phone.  This
call, like many, told us of a ferret in Vermont who had become too much
responsibility for his owner.  Arrangements were made for a pick up with
shelter volunteer Lori - the shelter transport specialist.  The arrangements
originally were that she would hold the rejected ferret for several days adn
bring him in when she was scheduled in the area.  Lori called after the
pickup.  "I have the ferret, and have let it out to play with my girls... I
really think it is a little girl, it's thin, but seems ok."
 
Within two dyas Lori called back,"we really need to push up a transport to
the shelter this ferret is not doing well." Arrangements were made for a
relay and the trek was on to recover this forlorn little ferret.  The
ferret, the shelter Mom felt was for the most part was overcome by
transition -- displaced by it's owner -- prompted nausea and vomiting but we
wouldn't know for sure until we got back to the shelter.  Shelter Mom took a
close look at the newcomer upon meeting Lori for relay.  It was a MALE, a
very slight male weighing in (at the shelter) at a mere 14 ounces.  Far too
small for this animal --indeed it appeared it may be a female in stature, a
result of starvation.
 
Approximately one year old and fully grown his frame was a skeleton with fur
stretched over it.  The eyes were dull, but held a bit of sparkle... there
was hope, but two hours of driving in scorching heat would not help matters!
 
Expediently he was transported to the shelter, hang in there Otis, we will
fix you up in short time.  Well, Otis made it to the shelter, it was an
answered prayer.  The thin, emaciated ferret was hydrated by intravenous
fluids and given nutrition.  He was eating several hours later on his own.
As the shelter was giving their newly acquired supply of Totally Ferret a
try -- this seemed the perfect test!  Otis was given only Totally Ferret for
dry food the firstfew days he also received several doses of Nutri-Cal
supplement.  The food after several days was only the Totally Ferret-- free
fed and the bowl was full at all times.  The change was REMARKABLE.  On a
daily basis Otis thrived.
 
At the end of two weeks the skeleton was barely visable, at the end of four
weeks his coat was new and shiny, he had substantial weight gain and his
activity level was increasing.  Otis was able to be adopted after eight
weeks, weighing in at more than two pounds, and fully vaccinated to boot!
That's good stuff!  Otis now weighs 3.75 lbs and lives a ferrets dream life
with his two ferret sisters and mom, Lori.  Good going Otis.
[Posted in FML issue 1570]