Hey Hey Hey,
 
Diane Campbell of Ferret Gaurdian Rescue Haven and I just returned from a
weekend trip to Rocky's to help out with the rescue.
 
We found the conditions at the shelter very clean, there was hardly any
odor.  Barb Clay and the volunteers already there, Jade, Gail,and LeeAnne
were overworked, tired and still going.
 
While we were there the ferrets were each bathed (again), described and
given identification cards to match what is kept in the book about them.
Medical or triage assesment was accomplished in full.  Serious health
problems were taken to the vet immediately.  Spays and Neuters have
begun.  Cages have been cleaned and thanks to a wonder ful donation of
both time and linoleum (from another volunteer named Karen) all wire
shelfs on the cages were covered.  As many lock crocks as were available
were placed in the cages and cages were made better for the ferrets and
easier for the caretakers to maintain.
 
It was truly amazing how well everyone worked together for some
unbelievably long grueling hours.  There were 3 shelter moms there
working side by side.  All talents were put to doing what they did best
and no one had a problem with it.
 
The ferrets were and are wonderful.  They are beautiful and pitiful.  One
poor boy will need to be sedated to even get a good health exam.  Many
problems were found to include, cardio, vaginal infections, prespuce
(whangdang) hematomas and or tumors, eye discharges, anemia, jills in
heat, lymphoma.  Everyone, please keep in mind, the adv testing, vaccs,
spays and neuters are just the tip of the ice berg for the medical needs
and costs.
 
Things most needed at the shelter:
 
VOLUNTEERS TO CLEAN CAGES AND HANDLE FERRETS
 
PRAYERS
 
cases of paper towels,
 
VOLUNTEERS
 
bedding, old sheets and towels, these guys do not yet know they are not
supposed to potty on them, so old bedding for now.  Nice hammies tho.
 
VOLUNTEERS
 
lock crocks for food.  They dont think dishes should hold food
 
VOLUNTEERS
 
water bottles
 
VOLUNTEERS
 
wood stove chips.
 
donations to SOS or directly to the vet, I dont have the addy on top of
my head but will get it for you.
 
The reason I keep hammering home volunteers is that there were already
over 50 ferrets at the shelter before this rescue.  Add 62 more and it
takes a very long day just to get the cages cleaned correctly.  That
leaves no time for play, meds, special needs, handling etc.  Soon, people
will stop comming as the news gets old and settles in the back of the
mind.  Barb will be left to do this on her own.  Please, all locals to
that area, please, volunteer, this is an ongoing need and will be for
some time.
 
HappyTails,
 
Karen and the Scruff You Gang
[Posted in FML issue 4231]