It is with the permission of the author of this article that I submit this
to the FML.
 
The Story of Fiscus Ferret
by Jan DeJesus of Gimme Shelter Ferret Rescue
 
This is a story of how I feel little Fiscus must have felt his days and
nights in the cellar where he was kept until he was brought to the MSPCA.
Except for one young ferret lover there who placed a very worried phone
call to me, Fiscus would have died.
 
He still might...although we are trying so very hard not to let that
happen.  He was severely dehydrated and malnourished.  He was vomiting.
His major organs were so dehydrated that they could not be palpated by my
vet.  I cannot tell you how loving and sweet this little guy is.  I am
sure there are many like him who never receive our help.
 
We are so full right now that the next Fiscus will surely die.  His life
will end as in the story.  He will not be brought to a shelter to be given
every chance on earth to find happiness and love, as there are not enough
shelters to go around.
 
What can YOU do?  We need more shelters, education, homes and support to
keep going and to help to end this senseless suffering.  Please pitch in
a few dollars to the shelter funds; join the fight.  Adopt an oldie or a
special needs ferret (they don't ask for much!).  Dedicate a week-end or
two to educate the next spontaneous ferret buyer.  Because if you don't,
who will?
 
(A word of warning.  You will not be able to read the following without it
bringing tears to your eyes)
 
If I hide in a corner, if I close my eyes real tight,
Maybe this nightmare will be over,
Maybe my pain will end.
 
What did I do that was so very bad?
Why did my owners put me down here all alone?
It is cold and dark and I am lonely and sad.
 
Wait!  A light!  My eyes hurt!  I blink!
But she walks right by me with a box of stuff in her arms.
Look at me!  You used to love me and think I was cute!
 
I hurt so bad...I need food, water, soft beds, my cage cleaned,
but most of all I need to play and get some hugs from my humans.
She leaves.  The lights go out.  I crawl back into my corner and close my
eyes.
God please let this pain end soon.
I am growing so weak.
 
Is it the same day or the next?  I cannot tell.  The light go on.
She's coming to me!  She is picking me up and I am in a carrier now!
Oh my!  FOOD!  I eat very fast!  I am so hungry!
We arrive at a place.  It is loud with barking dogs and people and bright
with lights.
I am scared.  I feel sick.  I ate too fast.
 
I am back in a cage.  Wait: Mom!  Don't leave without me!
I am sorry I was bad.  I won't do it again!
Just let me dance for you one last time.
 
A person is coming towards me now with something in his hands.  Food?
No, a needle.  They say I am too old, I am too thin, the shelters are
full, They cannot take me in The needle hurts, but not so very much.
I am leaving now, but I pray as I die that the next time around I will
belong to someone with as much love in their hearts as I have in mine.
 
Good-Bye
Fiscus Ferret
 
Today I adopted a delightful year old ferret from Jan.  He's a gorgeous
Path Valley little guys that was found wandering the streets all alone.  I
find myself wondering why.  He will make a special addition to my little
family of 1 dog, 2 cats and now...4 ferrets.
 
Diddy
[Posted in FML issue 3432]