My husband and I are in the beginning stages of trying to adopt a child.
For the first time since we moved to California, the fact that we own six
underground ferrets is causing a major dilemma.  I know that during the
home study, our lives, personalities, and motives will be thoroughly
scrutinized.  It doesn't feel right to hide our ferrets from a social
worker (and especially not from the birth mother if we decide on an open
adoption).  Our "babies" are an extremely important part of our lives,
and they played a large role in our deciding to become parents in the
first place.  It was only by taking care of six wonderful little furkids
that we knew we were loving, devoted, good humored, and responsible
enough to be successful parents.  They will certainly play a role in how
we juggle our schedules as we raise our baby, and they will probably have
a large influence on our child's life.  On the other hand, anything put
in writing will surely be seen by attorneys and a judge, which seems like
a sure way to have our ferrets confiscated.  We have always been
extremely cautious about telling people that we own ferrets, and we don't
want to put their well-being in jeopardy during this important stage of
our lives.
 
I would really appreciate advice from anybody on this list who has gone
through the adoption process.  What are your feelings on how open we
should be and to whom?  Are there certain types of adoptions that may be
easier for us than others?  Is there a good way to search for a birth
mother who also likes animals and who would be willing to keep the little
furry ones confidential?
 
Best Wishes,
Julie
[Posted in FML issue 4291]