Hi All,
 
I've just learned that a *very* special little girl that I planned to adopt
has recently tested ADV positive.  I can't begin to express how sad and
upset I am.  This little one had been severely neglected and most probably
abused by her former caretaker (term used *VERY* loosely).  She is young
and comes from a location/background where ADV wouldn't be considered as
much of a risk.
 
This is tearing me apart.  I've planned on adding her to my family for many
months now.  I was her 'Secret Santa' (at least one of, if she had more
than one).  I bought new bedding a few months back, told my other furkids
about her often, talked about her to friends and family members.  I can't
even begin to allow myself to think for very long right now about what
this *truly* means to/for her.  I'm wondering how she feels on the inside.
She's had on-going, yet inexplicable health problems for a while now.
Nothing too serious, though, and nothing that could be pinpointed.  Well,
now we know... "Inexplicable" because nobody *seriously* thought that she
could *really* have or have even been exposed to ADV.
 
*PLEASE* be careful and *PLEASE* test.  This is absolutely heartbreaking...
for me and for her.  I've never even seen her in person or held her.  Now I
never will.  I have two ferrets that are both ADV (-).  I can't bring her
into their home knowing that she has this *VERY* CRUEL AND UNFORGIVING
DISEASE.  I had so much love, patience, understanding and caring to give
to her.  I still do, but she'll never know it.  As much as I *absolutely
hate* learning that she has it, I don't regret asking that she be tested.
It just hurts that to some extent or other that she's been robbed of life.
Either in years, quality or both.  It goes without saying that it isn't
fair.  It really isn't.
 
Even if you don't have money to give to research, especially since Dr.
Williams has started a program, at least talk about and educate yourself
about it.  Basically, spread the word... not the disease.  Never say
never... Don't, not for one minute, think that it can't impact or have
any effect on yours or your ferrets' lives.  Don't make that mistake.
 
I am so worried about and sad for her.  She didn't have much of a life or
an existence before... now she still might not.
[Posted in FML issue 3474]