Sukie, you are so right about saving when ferret math strikes!  I got my
1st ferret in May 2004 and now I have 6.  I met Claudia and Dee from the
Oxford Ferret Rescue at the end of May 2004.  I had read many books and
been to many web sites about ferrets before getting my 1st boy Sammy so
I was reasonably prepared for the task of taking care of my ferrets (of
course they still surprise me!).
 
One of the 1st things Claudia told me was to start a savings account for
my ferrets because most of them will need at least 1 major surgery in
their lives (maybe more) and will probably require alot of vet care
towards the end of their lives.  So every month since last June I have
saved between $100-150 and have about $1300 so far saved to take care of
my boys.  I do not use this money for their regular vet visits for shots
etc but it is there for the major things when they get old.  I have told
my husband and daughters where the money is and what it is for so if
something happens to me the boys will be taken care of.
 
When I am in stores with ferrets and people ask me questions about them
the 1st thing I tell them is that they are VERY expensive to own because
of some major medical conditions they get.  I also let them know they are
not cage animals (which many people believe!!!).  I try to discourage the
1st time buyer that is buying just because they are so"cute"!  I do tell
them they are wonderful pets but not for everyone.  And I also mention
our local shelter, the Oxford Ferret Rescue.  I encourage everyone to
adopt from a shelter and I try to give as many pointers as possible to
those who do buy a ferret.
 
I do also believe that ferret people are the best people ever!  They
truely love their ferrets and will do almost anything to help them live
longer and healthier lives!  And they are so willing to share knowledge
and to help each other whenever they can.  This list is an example.  The
work BIG puts into this list to amazing to me!  We are so lucky to have
this list and everyone on it.  The FHL is also a great resource for all
of us.
 
I feel so lucky the day my Sammy came into my life not only because of
the joy he and all his brothers bring to me but of all the wonderful
people I have met since getting my boys!  I do feel truely blessed!
 
Lisa
[Posted in FML issue 4867]