Hey Guys,
 
I read my first issue of the FML today, and I have to say that I am
impressed.  As a ferret owner I think that it is great that so many
people come together to educate and support other fuzzy-lovers.  But
what I really wanted to post is a request for your help.
 
I work at a Petco and am mainly in charge of tending to the ferrets.  I
handle them so that they don't bite (I have the battle scars to prove
it), I name them and get to know their personalities, and I take them
up front (one at a time) when I'm on register to educate people and
advertise their antics.  When I first started working, the ferrets were
selling like crazy, but i think that I saturated the area, because the
current bunch is getting older (4 months +).  Here is where my favor to
you comes in.
 
Because Petco allows other animals in the store, my growing concern for
them contracting distemper became an issue.  I asked my manager if we
could get them their second booster, and he said yes.  Of course, I had
to describe how easily distemper can be spread (through contact with
clothes, air, etc.) and how ugly and fatal it is when contracted.  But
regardless, the vet was here by the end of the week giving my store
babies their booster, thus protecting them.
 
Please, I know that my Petco is special, and that some horrible rumors
(some true) have gone around regarding treatment of the animals in some
states, but this is not an impossible request.  Please go to your local
stores and request that changes be made.  Protect babie fuzzies from
unneccessary death.  If the managers argue the bottom line, emphasize
that the cost for ten shots is $20, while the loss of ten ferrets is
$1000.
 
Also, when babie fuzzies have come into my store unable to be sold,
rather than sending them back to their deaths, I have been granted the
privilege of taking them to a local ferret shelter (Ferret Hollow) and
making sure that they find homes.  So far we have saved Stuart Little
(who was deaf), and Dar and Damien (both with leg injuries).  They
turned out to be wonderful babies and all have happy forever homes.
 
Until next time, Lots of Love!
 
From,
Sara, Nibbles, MJ, Gizmo, and Oracle (Orkybutt)
[Posted in FML issue 4173]