Hi Everyone,
What a sad day it was yesterday reading the FML.  Our condolences goes out
to all of you who have lost a fuzzy recently.  Our fuzzy crew sends out
ferret kisses to all of you.
 
I would like to write some of my thoughts on the declawing issue.  We have a
dog & cat along with our ferrets.  I would never think of taking away my
dogs vocal cords.  Put yourself in the dog's position-How would you feel?
Many times a barking dog is due to lack of proper care(possibly tied outside
all the time) or lack of proper training.  I would only do it if it was the
LAST resort and it came between the dog put in a shelter or staying in a
loving & caring home.  The same goes for declawing too.  In my mind if that
is the way god made them, then thats the way they stay.  You need to accept
that certain pets, have hmmm how should I put this?  drawbacks?  Cats & dogs
can be taught not to bark & not to claw your very nice sofa.  It takes time
& alot of patience, if your methods don't work, try a animal behavior
specialist(don't laugh there are people out there who do this) and only if
all else fails.....As for ferrets well, I am sorry I don't want to upset
anyone, but I would NEVER declaw them.  Spaying & neutering are VERY
differant things.  Spaying & neutering your pet keeps the number of unwanted
animals out of the shelters & off the streets.  And it also has health
benefits as well for the animal.  As for descenting I don't really think
that is necessary, Mitzi is not descented and Hexie won't be either.  Anyway
I'll stop now on that subject.
 
Welcome back Dr. Williams!  It sounds like you enjoyed you time off!  Good
for you, and I agree Dr. Weiss did a great job while you were gone, he
deserves a break.  It is a comfort to know we have you both around.
 
Anyone out there live in Philadelphia PA? Kelleen sad story made me realize
something:
 
Our vet does not take care of afterhour emergancys, and University of Penn.
does not take ferret cases, So I need a vet or a hospital that does do
emergancy after hours care.  I live about 5-10 minutes from the bridges to
NJ, so a vet in NJ(Deptford,Cherry Hill ect.) would not be too far.  Anyone
have any ideas?????
 
Michelle,Mitzi,Tara,Dutch&Hexie
[Posted in FML issue 1366]