Recently, a young jill now named Ophelia was surrendered to the Ferret
Information Rescue Shelter & Trust Society.  She had severe burns of a
chemical nature over the hind 40% of her body with her back legs damaged to
the extent that amputation seemed a likelihood.  Her owner had no idea how
this happened to her.  As a ward of FIRST, Ophelia received the help she
needed and now is recovering well.  There is some movement in her legs and
her appetite is returning, so we expect that over the next several months
she will recover most of her mobility.  As she will suffer on-going health
problems from this accident, she will remain a ward of the Society for the
remainder of her life.  Ophelia's veterinary and care costs exceed $1,000.
 
Ophelia is just one example of the work the Ferret Information Rescue
Shelter & Trust Society undertakes.  FIRST is the only charity for ferrets
in Canada and the only purely welfare-oriented and educational organization
in British Columbia.  In 1997, our first year, the Society handled over
ninety ferrets across the Province and expects to care for 150 more this
year.  All ferrets receive vaccinations, full medical and dental treatment,
are spayed/neutered and descented before adoption to new homes.
 
This level of care is expensive, with last year's veterinary bills exceeding
$20,000.  FIRST is beginning its fund-raising activities for 1998.  If you
wish to help Ophelia and other ferrets in need, please consider making a
donation.  Any contribution is welcome and donations over $20 will receive a
tax-deductible receipt.  For those living in the United States, be aware
that donations to Canadian charities are honored reciprocally by the IRS.
 
For more information, please contact FIRST as listed below.
 
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Ferret Information Rescue Shelter & Trust Society [FIRST (Ferret) Society]
A Charity for Ferret Welfare in British Columbia
Contact:  [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2238]