Hey Jacci . . .
 
I could relate ALL TOO WELL to Jacci's "ultimatum" post and thought it
was HILARIOUS but sadly, I'm in a similar situation ... I've only been a
first time ferret mommy for just about 1 year to my precious 5 yr olds,
Sasha and Snowball, and I truly adore my fur-kids to death but my entire
immediate family refuses to have anything to do with my kiddos.  My
parents have only met the "kids" one time and during that visit, I was
so proud of my kiddos for putting their best behvior forward but my very
narrow-minded, traditional folks will not allow themselves to take to my
loveable bundles of joy because they aren't the "typical" pet or a
grandchild.  Likewise, my sister (who owns several cats, dogs, and
chickens) and her arrogant husband have also expressed their intolerance
for my furkids, although their 5 children have all begged for me to bring
them by their house numerous times.  Soooo sad that my neices and nephews
are being deprived of having the opportunity to experience a diversity of
animal experiences ... .
 
On two recent occasions, I received invitations for overnight visits with
my family at their respective homes but was absolutely SHOCKED at the
responses I received when I asked if the invitation included the ferrets.
My sister stated that only I was invited because she was "afraid" of the
ferrets and didn't want to take the chance of finding out what would
happen to her children if they were bitten or scratched by the
fuzzies.(WHATEVER - excuse #1!) and my mother also stated that the
ferrets weren't included in the invitation because she feared that the
ferrets might get sick or "catch something" from the dog and again, she
didn't want me to hold that against her!  (excuse #2)
 
I was just so appaled at the ignornat, negative reactions I've received
from my own family and it's come to the point where we don't even
communicate much anymore because of how devastating this has made me
feel.  Sure, there are those of you out there that might think this is a
ridiculous reason for breaking a family apart but it goes far deeper for
me than just the furkids themselves.  First of all, my family and I have
never been extremely close in nature to begin with so this is no big
surprise but second, and more importantly, this is about RESPECT and
TOLERANCE in my relationship with my family members ....
 
I have stood my ground because it's important for everyone to know that
my furkids ARE my children (as I'm single and have nver been married and
have no 'skin' children of my own) and I love them very much and they
depend on me to take care of them, just as skin children depend on their
human parents!  My ferrets and I come as a PACKAGE DEAL and I would NEVER
EVER think of asking my sisters to leave their children at home if they
want to come and visit ME so why would/should bringing my animals (kids)
with me when I visit my family be any different?  (I can assure you that
my kiddos are FAR less work than any children alive and are generally
much better behaved as well!!!)
 
I have spent over $1,500 to care for my kiddos in just the year I have
been their mommy (even though I've been unemployed through most of that
time) and I know I am a wonderful, devouted mother (as I would be if I
had skin children too but I don't right now).  It's just unfortunate that
my family and some of my friends don't respect my devoution and think I'm
nuts for devouting so much time and love and care to my pets but I
wouldn't have it any other way!!!!
 
So to all of you out there that have similar "rejection" experiences
because of your furkids, I'm sure it's safe to say that the love and
devoution from your fuzzies will outlast any human love so keep loving
the fukids as much as you can, without regret!
 
Blessings and joy to you, Jennifer  Sasha and Snowball  :-)
[Posted in FML issue 4387]