Eric:
 
Have you given any thought to finding a ferret shelter in your area?  You
can get ferrets for a lot less than $140 - in fact I got mine in Snow
Hampshire for FREE!  There are so many ferrets out there in need of a good
home.  The one we got is so lovable.  Even though she came from an abusive
home she shows no aggression toward anyone.  She is a cuddle-bug.
 
Her name is Jasper but we call her "Scrappy-doo" because she is sooooo tiny
compared to our other two "Monsters".  The sight of our 4 pounder sends her
running (can't blame her since she doesn't even weigh in at a pound yet!)
 
good luck,
dawnie, bob and the three ferreteers
[Posted in FML issue 1443]