People have been saying that ferrets are different from other pets, or
special somehow.  The latest HSUS statement maintains this line of thinking.
 
I don't agree and I think that the concept that ferrets are different
hinders the general treatment and view of ferrets.  The uniqueness often
mentioned is at the detail level (e.g., diseases or specific dietary needs)
and is true for every pet animal.  Fish (especially marine) are more
different from dogs and cats than ferrets are.  Yet the mentality even among
some ferret owners is that ferrets alone are a different category of
creature.  I think the whole problem comes from the fact that people are
unfamiliar with ferrets.  As kids we either had dogs and cats or knew who
did, as did our parents and their parents before them and so on.  They are
so common that everybody knows general things about them and their
temperament.  TV shows and commercials with them fill the air since TV's
beginning.
 
Ferrets are not known.  Ever see a ferret in a popular ad?  We have
documented the few shows/movies that expose them.  They eat dry food like
dogs and cats, live in confinement as well or better, need their own bedding
area, vet care, water, all things like dogs and cats.  Sure they have some
unique behavior, but not so different from dogs or cats either.  The sooner
that ferret characteristics become part of the average background and
culture, the better for ferrets.  As long as it is the exotic unknown,
ferrets are going to be a source of fear at some level.
 
Bring a ferret around in public and you'll get more "what the hell is that"
than any other statement.  Worse, they look like weasels and our culture is
loaded with references to how dangerous they are.  the word "weasel" has a
pejorative connotation in our language, and language is what we use to
think.
 
For any ferret lover to espouse that ferrets are different is to do more
long term harm than good.  Short sighted people may balk at the "horrors"
that could (or may not) occur if they become common.  However, once they
become a part of culture the way that a dog or cat is, the better it will be
for them.  Sure there will be abuse, but with dogs and cats, people report
it and it gets in the papers.  Now, a unknowing person could see a ferret
being abused and figure somebody is ridding the world of vermin.  People
take in a stray dog or cat, but would the same people do it for a ferret?
 
This does not mean that ferrets can't hold a special place in our hearts.
They do in mine.  However, when I compare ferrets to other pets it is as the
1st among equals, not as something strange and not for other people.  You
people who think you are protecting ferrets by protecting them from the
world are doing short term good, but long term harm.  You perpetuate the
mystery, and mystery leads to fear, that is just human nature.  Like it or
not, humans rule the planet and define it.  If you want ferrets kept as a
small side note in that definition, you are doing harm.
 
   ( )--(a)
   (@=@=) \     Till next time.......Rudy the ferlosopher
   O__)  \ \___
      \   \
      /\ * )  \   The way to hell is paved with good intentions!
[Posted in FML issue 1572]