Dear Kim,
You've been fortunate never to have experienced a young
ferret, even kit age, with adrenal disease. Most of us that have been
around for years, have. I wish your Mikao many good years of health!
You received a phone call mid-surgery from the vet tech, and this was
your quote:
>"...While he was under, the vet had a tech phone me to inform me
>that he was bilateral and to ask me "What I wanted to do."
......[snip]............
>"Well," she informed me. "Because both adrenals are diseased, he
>really only has a 50/50 chance and will be unadoptable because he
>will have to be on meds for the rest of his life and most rescues,
>in this case, elect to euthanize."
"...most rescues, in this case, elect to euthanize."?
Most rescues? Don't you think that because it was a Maryland Clinic,
vet and vet tech, that such a remark put all Maryland ferret shelters
in an unfavorable light? After all, what shelter(s) was this tech and
vet referring to? Posting such ambiguity does no one any favors, but
casts suspicions on innocent hard working shelters.
Let's clear that confusion up! I contacted the following Maryland
people and shelter ops: Laura Michels and Diane Pirisino -- The
Baltimore Ferret Club, Claudia Johnson -- Oxford Ferret Rescue, Nancy
Wilson -- The Ferret Inn, Kathy Stewart - Loving Hearts Ferret Shelter.
Myself (Rocky's) and this collective, would like to clear up any
misunderstanding that this statement has brought upon our reputations
or how we operate. With heart in hand, each and every shelter op
involved in the above operations do not casually euthanize any ferret
that is on meds for life, or some that would be viewed as unadoptable.
It is a mission that we fulfill each hour of every day, to restore a
quality of health that each and every ferret that comes into our charge
will enjoy, no matter how long or short that time may be.
When they are with us, it's because we want them, we love and care
with all of our hearts and pray for those skills to help these
unwanted ferrets. When they do leave us, our hearts are sad, but
certain that they were wanted, loved and cared for. All of the above
shelters look to place these ferrets that are on lifetime meds, whether
it be adoption, foster or permanent residence, and we're all quite
successful with those efforts. I can't help but smile and shake my
head, thinking about it. Claudia and I are at each other's shelters
often, and have for years. On any given day you can find Claudia
medicating 20 -- 30 ferrets, and that's business as usual! To varying
degrees at different times, that's how all of the above ferret shelters
operate. Clearly, ain't no ferret shelters that I know of that are
casually euthanizing ferrets that are on lifetime meds. That would
include such a list of ailments; Insulinoma, Lympho, Adrenal, DIMS,
Chronic Anemia, IBD, ....the list goes on and on!
Another point in this discussion is when to give mercy to an animal we
are working with. It's only after all medical attempts are now failing,
and perpetual suffering has set in. That's an important call, and not
one that any of us take lightly. These man-made pets are still so
primal that their prey victim sense will make them hide their pain
from us. I personally, don't believe that any animal I love and care
for, should have their pain ignored in their last days, when mercy
would be the most selfless act of love and care.
You didn't mention your vet's name, or the shelter(s) that they were
speaking of. Other than the above contacts that joined me in making
today's statement, I know of no other ferret specific shelter in the
State of Maryland. Perhaps you can share that information, and we can
join in helping them, if they are overwhelmed or need any help. I also
would like to speak with your vet. Your vet and that clinic indeed need
to know that there are other options than euthanasia for ferrets on
meds, and that is life with caring people. It makes me sad to think
that your vet has conducted such business knowing that there are
shelters that could have been called.
I'm glad that you've offered your services to them. Good luck.
Affectionately,
Barb Clay
Dir of Shelter Affairs for Rocky's
Parkton, Maryland
www.rockysferrets.com
[Posted in FML 6011]
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