We are also in overwhelm.  We have 67 foundlings in the shelter, more
than we have had at one time for years.  If I had time to pursue
legislation I would support a state tax on the sale of pets.  It would
be called "the shelter tax" and even if shelters never saw a dime of it
(as I'm pretty sure would be the case) it would make people aware of the
sad need for shelters.  I don't think that it would make people feel more
comfortable about dumping a pet on a shelter when they decided it was
"time to get rid of it".  People who are going to do that will do it
anyway.
 
About biting ferrets, we have a little girl named Sally who came to us
from people who had other ferrets but never one who apparently thought
people were food.  She was only 3 months old and cute as only really
naughty ferrets can be cute.  One of our volunteers' husband came by one
day and picked her up with his well calloused hands and put her head in
his mouth.  He growled and shook his head around a bit, pulled her out,
and put her back in the cage.  Sally sat still and watched him for as
long as he was here and she became much more amenable to being handled
after that.  I still sometimes put something in HER mouth, like nutracal,
before I pick her up but by and large she is much better behaved.  We
think that she thought she was being eaten.  Amazingly she didn't bite
his tongue.  Worth a try if you're brave enough?
 
Bobbi McC
KC Ferret Hotline and Shelter
 
PS: We will be retiring in a couple of years and moving to Montana.  So
if there is anyone out there who thinks that they might want to do some
sheltering here in the KC area please let me know.  This is not a one
person job but we have great volunteers, a wonderful vet, lots of
equipment, etc.  and a 501c3 that will go a family or group that wants
all of this responsibility.  We will also take with us as many of the
"inadaptable" as we can.  Things to think about.
[Posted in FML issue 5354]