Being a shelter, for any animal is a huge responsibility.  We many times
take on animals that are sick, terminally ill, behav problems, to name a
few.  Sometimes we come to a situation where it is basically damned if you
do damned if you don't.  No one should blame anyone for doing what that
shelter feels is the right thing.  We all follow a basic guideline of humane
treatments and ethics- and only have in the end ourselves to answer to.
 
So- now that being said, here is what I suggest.  I think and believe that
there is nothing wrong with allowing a sick ferret to be adopted by people
that are knowledgable and responsible enough to take care of a special need
ferret.  The point I stress though is that the adoptee's new home must be
aware that the ferret is sick.  Shelters are run by people who's hearts are
bigger than their pockets, and although we try to make money in other ways,
we spend far more than we could get back, but get back the satifaction of
helping out a friend in need.  If you feel that your getting in over your
head, maybe it is time to try to branch out and reach with other shelters.
Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be the right thing, your doing the
best you can- and that is all we can do sometimes...
 
Northeast Ferret Foundation
[Posted in FML issue 2134]