"Why there are Ferret Shelters" (an editorial)
 
     Part of my 'uniform' at PetCare is a button with a picture of three
of my ferrets. It's required in our dress code. The reason for it is it
often starts conversations with our customers that helps us find out more
about their pets. Occasionally, my volunteering at the GCFA shelter comes
up in a conversation. Most people are surprised to learn that ferrets need
a shelter. They think that strays would become feral and can't fathom why
anyone would want to (or have to) give up their carpet shark(s).
     While it's sad to think of a stray ferret fending for itself in the
wilds of urban America or of a landlord forcing a family to part with
their furry friends, their is an even darker side of why a shelter is
necessary. There are people out there who were not 'cut out' to be ferret
owners and from whom ferrets are occasionally subject to neglect, abuse or
intentional cruelty. Ferrets kept confined to cages with little or no
contact with their 'humans', ferrets kept in conditions or enclosures
unfit for any animal and, even more horrendous, ferrets discarded in
dumpsters, garbage trucks or in boxes on the side of the road.
Fortunately for some of these ferrets, someone is around to rescue them in
the 'nick of time', but I can't help but wonder (and I shudder to think)
about those that go unnoticed until it's too late.
     If you see a ferret being kept in less than humane conditions, be it
someone's pet or in a pet store, please, tell the owner or proprietor of
your concerns. If they fail to act on your suggestions, let us (or your
local ferret shelter staff) know. We'll talk to them and/or those
empowered to protect these abused or neglected pets. If it's someone's pet
and they admit not being able to care for it, tell them about the shelter.
It can, quite possibly, make the difference between life and death for the
ferret.
 
Reprinted (slightly modified) from "Off The Paw". Official Newsletter of
the Greater Chicago Ferret Assn.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0874]