Hello everyone.  I know this has been a subject almost beaten to death at
times, but I've come up with a workable solution.  At least it's workable
for me and my vet.  LOL!
 
Until pet insurance companies decide to cover ferrets, this is the closest
thing to "insurance" I've found.  I've made arrangements to have my little
bill paying program at my bank send my vet's office a set amount each
payday.
 
I've taken the yearly amount for shots for the little reprobates, and then
doubled it to allow for any veterinary care they might need.  (Hubert's
little vet trip for his respiratory infection cost around $260 when I was
done.  x-rays, anesthesia, trans tracheal wash, culture, antibiotics, and
ear mite treatment.  Hubie practically had an overhaul.  All but his tires
spinned!  And that was not surgery........)
 
I know, I know, all the people out there who are good with money are saying
"But you don't get interest that way.  Putting it in an interest bearing
account would be more intelligent." Well, they are right.  BUT, if there
is any way I can get my hands on it, there's always the risk that I would
"need" it for some OTHER financial crisis.  This way, it's there.  It
should lessen the "Is-it-bad-enough-to-go-to-the-vet-or-should-I-wait"
syndrome, lessen the chances of being overdue for shots, and just generally
give me peace of mind where my four legged babies are concerned.
 
This new vet is fabulous.  He's an actual exotics specialist, knows about
ferreties, has a tech who owns ferreties and is as crazy about them as I
am, and is only maybe 10 minutes from home in TRAFFIC.  The other really
really good ferret knowledgable doctor is at the other end of Salt Lake
City - I live in Bountiful, which is close to the North end of the valley.
This vet is almost at the extreme end SOUTH.  And with the Salt Lake City
freeway destruction for the infamous 2002 Olympics ["Best Olympics Money
Can Buy!"] I avoid going on the freeway whenever possible.  Besides, this
guy also does animal treatment at the Zoo, and his credentials are very,
very good.  And he loved Hubie!  In fact, they carried him around all day
cause "he didn't like being in the cage." (This is the boy who is caged
while Mommy is at work and doesn't seem to mind?) That and "That's the
biggest ferret I've ever seen!!!!!!!  from the techs.  Hubie is now around
4 pounds.
 
But, he is one of the more expensive vets around, at least for more
specific procedures.  But well worth it, in my opinion.  And the office
carries TOTALLY FERRET!  Only place I've heard of to be able to get it
here in Utah.  The Ferret Store still has the better price, but I now know
that if I run out, I can get some.  Now that the little angels have decided
it's good to eat!
 
If anyone else has a more workable approach, please email me.  It just
seems to me this might work, especially for those of us who are not overly
endowed financially.  Especially since it only comes out every payday at
around the price of a delivered pizza.  I can gladly forgo the delivered
pizza for my babies!
 
Catherine, Pato, Snowball, Hubert, and Elsie
"Behind The Zion Curtain"
[Posted in FML issue 2843]