All too often, the ferrets that we bring into our rescues are those dumped
by uncaring or ignorant owners or by owners too cheap to pay for surgery;
shelters already overburdened with too many ferrets are told of yet another
sick ferret in need of adrenal surgery needing a home.  This was the case
yesterday when I saw the Overstreet's post about the sick ferret in
Jacksonville (FL).
 
"Great," I thought, "another owner who can't be bothered to take proper care
of their pet."
 
I immediately called a wonderful lady and member of the South FL Ferret
Shelter who now lives in the Jacksonville area, Barbara Ludt.  Instantly,
Barbara mobilized and began making arrangements to pick up the ferret.
 
Last night, Barbara called with the details of the arrangements she'd made
with the owner. Much to my surprise, she first told me that Jason and
Alison Overstreet didn't live in Jacksonville as we'd thought, but in
Minnesota! (Way to go, you two!)
 
Then she told me that the person wanting to turn the ferret in wasn't really
the owner, but a friend of the owner; the ferret had been dumped in his lap.
Barbara told me how impressed she was with his caring manner and was hopeful
as to the condition of the ferret.  She told me she'd made plans to meet him
this morning (Tuesday) and promised to call me as soon as she'd gotten the
ferret home and taken a good look at her.
 
This morning, imagine my surprise when I received that call from Barbara and
she told me of meeting the gentleman to get the ferret and being given a
$200 check towards the adrenal surgery with a promise to send another check
as soon as he got paid!!
 
I was so happy when Barbara told me about this!  Instantly, my opinion of my
fellow mankind was lifted when I heard of this kind man giving up his hard
earned money on an animal that wasn't even his.  He is truly an angel!
 
The ferret was named Alison for her other guardian angel, Alison Overstreet,
and has already been to see Dr Debbie Kemmerer.  Alison is scheduled for
adrenal surgery Tuesday and is expected to be just fine.  Barbara tells me
that Alison is a real sweetie and probably won't be going anywhere since her
husband has fallen in love with her already.  :)
 
I will keep everyone informed of her progress.  Thank you Jason and Alison
Overstreet for alerting us to this situation and thank you to the kind
hearted gentleman who cared so much about a ferret that wasn't his!!
 
Happy ferreting, everyone!
 
Susie Sherman
Member of Brevard Ferret Lovers Rescue
 
Supporter of Florida Coalition for Rational Rabies Policies
[Posted in FML issue 2011]