Hi All!
 
I wanted to share a wonderful story with you of a ferret I picked up as a
rescue today.  I'm calling him George, for Curious George.  This little
guy shows the best of what ferrets are even when they come from horrible
conditions.
 
I received a phone call this morning from a woman who had, in her
possession, a ferret that she got from a neighbor and inquired about what
to do with him.  He was living outside in a filthy cage, had no food, dirty
water, a small box with a dirty towel for bedding, and she never remembers
anyone handling him.  She has two ferrets, but did not want another.  She
told me that she thought the little one had been attacked by a dog and had
a wound of some sort on his side.  She said she could not afford to take
him to the vet, but instead wanted me to give her some advice as to how to
fix him so she could give him to a friend.
 
My instincts said that she wasn't telling me everything she should so I
insisted that the ferret be turned over to someone who would make sure that
he got the vet care he needed.  Well, long story short (too late), I ended
up picking him up and taking him to Dr. Meakin at All Creatures Animal
Hospital.  He is underweight at 2.9 pounds, has a skin abcess about 1 1/2
by 3 inches on his lower left flank that is now being treated with oral
antibiotics and a topical cream in addition to a Baytril injection at the
vet, ear mites (let's hear it for Ivermectin), and horrible teeth (those
are next).  He needs to be given his meds twice a day in addition to
Tresaderm for his ears (that's just me being paranoid 'cause I don't want
mine getting ear mites).  He is also being poked, prodded and messed with
by me often to check his condition.  So far he's eating, drinking and
pooping normally.
 
He woke up this morning thinking it was another day got moved into a
temporary house, driven to Petsmart (that's where I picked him up), going
to the vet and getting 3 shots and having his side shaved, a short stop at
a friend's house, brought to my house where he is in a new cage and
environment, has been handled by umpteen folks, and has been nothing but a
complete gentleman and a real sweetie the whole time.  The only time he
even thought about biting was when the doc was shaving him.  He has been
cuddly and wonderful.  He even has enough in him to charm the socks off
the whole staff at the vet's and think about digging out a plant that was
on the counter.
 
I normally don't take in rescues except in extreme situations, but this
little guy has charmed me and made all the time, effort and money well
worth it.  He has been introduced to Ferretone and thinks it's swell and I
hope he figures out how to use his hammock soon!  He's going to be fine
and be a big, gorgeous boy.  I'll keep you updated with his progress!
 
Rachel
[Posted in FML issue 2617]