Hello everyone,
 
I usually just skip over an article when I see it's about a ferret's recent
death or severe medical problems because my own Sneakers died less than a
year ago and I find them difficult to read.  For some reason I decided to
read Nanook's posting in full and as the tears welled up in my eyes I
realized once again that I am not yet over her death.  I also got a new
ferret some time after Sneakers death (Jitterbug, an adoptee) and am glad
now (1 more ferret later, Monkey) that I did.  My heart goes out to all of
you who lost a fuzzy and I too know the pain and unsubstantiated feelings of
guilt.  However I am writing this post because of the mention of the
autopsy.  When Sneakers died, at first I didn't want her autopsied because I
couldn't bear to think of her being cut up any more.  About an hour later I
thought to myself, perhaps the autopsy would give the VET (not me) more
knowledge about the death and thereby help future ferts who had the same
problem.  It was difficult, but I called back the animal hospital and told
them to go ahead with the autopsy.  I am by no means trying to chastise
ANYONE who for whatever reason chose not to have an autopsy done (I know how
hard that decision is to make), but would like to point out the benefits of
having one done to anyone who is considering doing it.
 
I would also like to comment about some of the reactions to people who have
written in looking for homes for their ferrets.  Yesterday someone wrote a
post which tore at my heart because she lost her ferrets due to the unfair
Ca-Ca land rules.  Another person wrote in detailing the various hardships
she endures while still having time to devote to her ferrets.  Both of these
people have my admiration and my deepest sympathies, but WHATEVER their own
personal situation they cannot know what someone else is going through.
Even if technically "one person's life is harder than another's" it is
possible that the person with the "easier" situation still does not handle
stress OR responsibility as well.  Perhaps someone is not necessarily a bad,
selfish, or even ungrateful person, but just has different limits than you
or me.  Moreover, if that is the case is, it is not doing the ferrets any
good to stay with that person.  Unwanted ferrets will not be treated as they
should be and perhaps they WOULD be better off in a different home.  By
writing in to this list in particular at least that person is TRYING to get
a better home for their pet (as opposed to the horror stories we have all
heard about ferrets being abandoned or mistreated).  I am not trying to
offend anyone, nor am I saying that we should not offer suggestions to
someone who thinks they HAVE to give up their ferrets for some reason that
can possibly be corrected (like biting, smell, etc.), but they should remain
SUGGESTIONS not attacks or "I did it why can't you" battles.  If after
receiving advice (and I stress ADVICE) and carefully thinking the decision
through, someone determines that they can't or even don't want to take care
of their fuzzies, who are we to tell them they're bad.  No matter how long
their post is, we don't have all the details and ultimately they are doing
what they think is best.  This list can be a great source of information,
help, inspiration, and humor, but it should not be used as a place to claim
anyone is better than anyone else.  I personally would not give up my two
ferts for anything in the world, but I can handle endless stress for endless
love, some people cannot and should not - for the sake of their fuzzies as
well as their own mental health.
 
Okay, I've said my two cents, sorry it was so long.  As far as flaming me
for my opinions, I stand by them with pride and hate mail won't affect me
one bit.  I just couldn't sit by and let people judge others so harshly
without saying something.  [I would also like to note that I do understand
when someone's emotions get the better of them and they lash out quickly and
regret it later - I don't hold grudges].  I love this list and the warmth
and generous help that characterizes it far outweighs the few holier than
thou or snide replies.
 
     Hugs to all fuzzies,
 
     Rebecca
     Jitterbug &
     Monkey
[Posted in FML issue 1681]