Hi all,
 
I'm pretty new to this ferret newsletter and just wanted to let you know
it's great to know that so many people care about their fuzzies.
 
I really feel sad for the many of you that have lost one recently.
Especially the one in CA.  I was crying at the end...how sad!
 
I have owned ferrets for over 10 yrs and never lost one to any illness.  I
have raised over 200 ferrets in the last decade, and after reading all of
your horror stories I'm truely thankfull and am counting my blessings.
 
I give my own fervac shots and will start giving the rabies as well (already
located a supplier for the vacine), never in all the years have I given a
rabies shot but after all the postings I have changed my mind.  I'm not a
vet by any means but have treated my own rabbits for over 12 yrs, including
wry neck when vets have failed.  I think that speaks for itself.  I do have
a vet here that I consult when I run into a situation and he has been of
help every time.  Had my first case of ringworm from a baby I took in.  The
owner had a litter of pups...do I need to say anything else?  By the way
that baby is April.
 
I currently have 9.  Two are living in our home, while the other 7 are in
the bunny barn.  The two in the house are our brats Bandit and April.  Both
are teenagers from this spring/summer and are loved by every family member,
even my husband who really doesn't care for pets.
 
Over the years I have had many animals ranging from goats, show rabbits,
chickens, waterfowl, Chinchillas and an old barn cat name Tommy.  Many times
I have considered to cut my rabbit numbers back, I usually run around 100+.
Never have I considered cutting my ferrets back.  I just enjoy them too much
to give them up.  Taking a kit and watching their personality develop (yes,
you the owner plays a big part in that), watching jills have babies and how
the kits grow...it's just a neat experience.
 
My 11 yr old is really attached to Bandit and April, they are his play mates
after school.  Yes he does teach them bad behavior, spoils them rotten.
 
Keep writing in your stories...both happy and sad.  I appreciate the medical
help that is available when needed.  This is one terriffic place to share
and learn.
 
Thanks,
Mini Tafoya
[Posted in FML issue 1775]