Dear FML'ers,
I haven't posted since we brought home sweet, old flat-headed Pappy with
his many lumps- it is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Pappy is
now dooking on the rainbow bridge.  Pappy was the older Lympho ferret we
adopted this past September.  Pappy was making his way around our household
on a daily basis, biting a slow cat now and then, or stealing the dog's
food.  His back-end suddenly stopped working, so we "walked" him with
our hands to help him keep from soiling himself.  He still had a great
appetite, but I caught him grinding his teeth a few times, and he was
sleeping more & more.  My husband and I took Pappy to the vet's to have
him looked over before we upped his predinsone- We go to Brook Run Animal
Clinic (804-262-8621 -Richmond, VA)- Dr. Mike Zucarro is WONDERFUL!!!  Dr.
Zuccarro was so upset about Pappy.  He found a large tumor along his spine
(along with the lumps under his legs and neck)- he also had a small tumor
growing quickly in his ear.  There was also a sizable mass in his stomach.
He thought that the tumor had probably penetrated his spinal column, and
that he wouldn't regain his hind-end mobility.  Pappy was estimated to be 6
years old- With many silent tears, I held Pappy and let him lick Ferritvite
from my fingers while Dr. Zucarro gently put him to sleep.  I whispered to
Pappy that we loved him- and I know he heard me.  I let Kymberlie Barone
from the Pennsylvania Ferret Shelter know about Pappy- she was the one who
originally took him into her shelter and trusted me enough to let Pappy
come home with us- WHERE HE OPENED OUR HEARTS!  Pappy is buried in a "real"
people cemetery behind a horse farm-it's enclosed with a wrought iron
fence, with other Old Farts- he's next to Samuel Mayes 1817-1887.  Because
of Pappy, We have started the RICHMOND FERRET RESCUE LEAGUE so that we can
take in needy ferts ASAP- Pappy made us see how many ferrets need help- And
even if it makes us cry, SOMEONE HAS TO OPEN THEIR HOMES AND HEARTS FOR
THESE LITTLE GUYS!!!  My husband and I are looking for a larger home with a
separate area or building so we can accomodate more than the 11 we have
now.  I am BLESSED with a wonderful husband:-)
 
OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS- contact your nearest shelter and offer to
donate time or food or ANYTHING to help out the wonderful folks who toil
night & day for homeless ferrets.  If possible, ADOPT A NEEDY FERRET so
he'll be able to wake up on Christmas morning and have a real FAMILY,
instead of staring out of his shelter cage and wondering where his family
is.  A shelter owner only has so much time to spend with each homeless
ferret.  I know there are ferrets that would give anything to be held and
kissed and given a raisin for just an hour or so.  PLEASE HELP!!!
 
For anyone wondering about Rabies shots- I had the misfortune of putting my
fingers in a rescued, upset ferret's reach- he really did some damage to my
joints and thumbs- The next day my hands looked like footballs!!!  I went
to my GP expecting to just get some antibiotics- but she had a fit and
wanted to know WHERE the animal was that bit me.  I quickly told her a
stray kitten at a flea market had done the damage- I did not want to chance
having a headless ferret:-( Just to let y'all know- the rabies vaccines
cost $1,800- (luckily I have great insurance)- it's a series of 5 shots -
the first day ALL of the bite sites are injected- also your arm & butt-
Then you go back 4 more times for arm injections.  I'm happy to say I've
finished my series and did not once foam at the mouth- and the upset
rescued ferret is rehabilitating nicely- he still can't resist flesh if
you put it in front of him- I just don't give him the opportunity:-)
 
One more thing- I have an 8-month old deaf DEW altered female that
absolutely will not tolerate any "new" ferrets.  She's fine with the 6
"originals"- but she's hits on the new guys like a magnet- and she means to
kill!!!  She'll actually HUNT for them- Do y'all think she's just jealous
or the next ferret serial killer?  Any suggestions?  I've tried switching
bedding - she can see the "new" guys (yeah- 3 months "new")- I give her
extra love to help any jealousy problems- doesn't work.  She just hunts
them down for the kill.  If you get a chance- call me at home at
804-272-9791 or E-MAIL TO [log in to unmask]
 
THANKS-MLB
(Premier Pet Products- Home of the Ferret Fun 5-In-One Harness!!!)
Merry Dooking!!!
[Posted in FML issue 2510]