I am a regular reader of the FML and with Joanne Ruffner's (indispensable)
help run Ferret Corners.  Truth be told all I did was start it, stagger
along then hand off the responsibilities to someone more capable.  Kudos
to a Sweet Woman with talent and drive.
 
Buy lately I've seen a few things here that have prompted me to write
despite my own pain and illness.
 
1. For the poor person whose WOODEN nightstand or dresser that smells.
There was a post today (Thursday) that said there might be poop hidden
under the bottom drawer.  Very good suggestion.  For the person who
criticized her for saying that they smell.  THEY DO.  Its admitted by
everyone.  They can even stink, from diet, and many other things.  ALSO a
WOODEN structure will hold, ferret oil and residue waste.  This is why we
use plastic and wire cages.  Natures Miracle is an awesome product, and
maybe vinegar if that should fail.  The acrid odor of the vinegar might
discourage them from eliminating there.  Good Luck.
 
2. For those of you with FINANCIAL problems and ill ferrets, try your
local Ferret Shelters.  Even if they can't/won't help you out financially
they might know of a sympathetic vet.  Also try a smaller town.  New vets
often start out there rather than try to carve out a space in the larger
ones.  Also, try a local animal shelter and find out who does their
surgeries, again those are sometimes new vets who would welcome new
clients and a chance (ugh) to use their newly learned skills.  I suppose
I need to say that often these vets are associated with larger clinics
with experienced doctors behind them.
 
3. As for the would I buy/adopt another one.  Yes, just not so many.  I
couldn't imagine my life without their joyful antics.
 
4. OK and last but not least for the sock thief post recently.  (Tank I
think) ROTFL.  Watch out.  I thought it was cute too, till I found over
60 prs hidden behind/under a dresser.  One ferret was responsible.  That
count does not include the number of socks I reclaimed from the little
thief either.  For a long while I was buying a new bag of socks and
every month.  And ferrets are the reason I only wear WHITE socks.  The
mismatched socks even under jeans and trousers were regarded oddly by my
coworkers and the occasional sneer from a customer and hysterical giggles
from the kids.
 
Good luck everyone and condolences to those with lost fuzzies.
 
Sharon Tucker-Wood
Ferret Corner
[Posted in FML issue 3785]