To all FMLers
I wrote:
>Adrenal disease has been present in ferrets in New South Wales and South
>Australia for "many" years (given that they have only become popular as
>pets, as opposed to disposable working animals in Australia over the last
>12-15 years, this could mean it has always been present).
 
What an awful thing to say!
 
I am sorry that I implied that all working ferrets are considered to be
"disposable" animals.
 
In fact, while speaking to many rural old timers here in Western Australia,
what impressed me most was the love that these folk felt for their working
ferrets.  Even after 20 or 30 years they could still describe the
personalities and habits of these long-gone ferrets and the sorrow at their
demise.  At that time there was no knowledge or money to spare to treat
their illnesses and most of these folk did the best that they could at
the time.
 
Nowadays, a good "working" ferret is probably very highly considered.
 
There will always be a type of person, in any country and at any time, who
will consider any animal to be "disposable" and not care to learn how they
may be best treated.  These may be working animals or pets and the best
that we can do is to share our knowledge and understanding with as many
people as we can.
 
Again, I am sorry for being so insulting in my post.
Love & Dooks
Shirley
[Posted in FML issue 3398]