This is my first posting to the FML and I'm hoping that I can be of help to
Megan and Monster concerning their search to find a new fuzzy pal.  I help
out as a 'ferret volunteer' at the Toronto Humane Society, (along with my
pals Julie and Mindy).  We have had ten ferrets brought in to the shelter
since Christmas alone.  There is sometimes a waiting list for ferrets and
other times, (like now) we have several little guys who will be needing
homes soon.  So if Toronto is accessible to you, there may well be a little
pal here for you both.
 
I'm not quite certain where you are coming from, but I would call the THS
before you come along to get their hours and a run down of available
ferrets.  Talk to a member of the Adoption Office staff and they will take
down your details and call you when they have a suitable candidate.  Just a
word of explanation - all "strays" have a five day waiting period, during
which their owners may claim them, not that any have since Christmas, when I
started there!  (How can you "lose" one of these adorable creatures and not
make a call to every animal organization to get them back - beats me every
time).
 
Sorry, I shouldn't comment really but....
 
Anyway, sometimes there are other complications and they like to keep an eye
on them, i.e.  if their weight is low.  They will always neuter them
(unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a resident vet who knows how to
descent them), if they have not been "fixed' already.  so you get a bargain
ferret (c$65) and the joy of knowing that you have rescued a little lost and
lonely critter.  The THS number is (416) 392-2273.  or please contact me
direct or via the FML if you need any help.  I'm there quite regularly, but
they don't hold ferrets, it's a first come first served basis, so although
there are four at the moment in their 'stray waiting period', it all changes
very rapidly.
 
Sorry to take up so much space but I'd just like to introduce me and the
clan and ask for a little assistance from all you FMLers...
 
We are;
- Fenella, first ferret, nearly two, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth and I
  keep the clan in order.
 
- Prudence, 18 mths, a real mummy's girl and a talented climber.  We want
  to join SOFA, we love sofa's and our mission in life is to have our own.
  So how do we join??  Fen(ella) will steal the cheque book and Pru(dence)
  will forge the signature!
- Hooter, latest addition, yes from the Humane Society!  hence age
  unconfirmed at 1-2 yrs.  (P.S.  my Mum is English and she tells me that
  Hooter is slang for NOSE in England, 'cause I used to bite her nose, (not
  her.....  well what more can I say!!))
- Janet, honoured to be Mum of the clan, chief feeder, pooper-scooper and
  great human scaffolding from which to reach new and forbidden territory.
- Iain, Dad, not pooper-scooper, impatient and willing to blame us for
  everything which is our fault - I ask you - we had to get PERMISSION to
  bring Hooter home.  Any advice FLO on getting around this obstacle to new
  recruits?!
 
Anyway we all live in Toronto and we want to get to know other local ferrets
and organise ferret socials in the park and other fun places and things.  We
also want to let people know that they can adopt some beautiful ferts from
the Humane Society and we would like advice on how to get more specialist
ferret vets in the area to help out with consultations and such, when the
volunteers suspect problems and when the fuzzies need medical attention that
the resident vets aren't clued up on.  All ideas and suggestions welcome.
 
Finally, we all like fruit, especially cucumber, grape and banana, but our
Mum isn't certain how much we should have and if it's bad for our teeth.  We
eat Kaytee or Hagen ferret food, but Mum is worried that our teeth are
starting to get a bit of tartar build up and we will not submit to the
indignity of having our teeth brushed without a fight.  We like stealing the
soap but we're not partial to toothpaste!
 
Looking forward to seeing our names in print, (Fenella says that she is
already famous, she had her picture in the paper last week, admiring the
flowers in the local "glasshouse" )
 
Fertlicitations from
Janet, Fen, Pru, Hootie Hoots and Iain.
 
PPS What does ECE stand for?
[Posted in FML issue 1511]