Re: ferret with broken back.  I am trying to find my misplaced copy of
Dayna's address so that I can pass it on.  In case I am not too successful
could someone here, please get it to Alicia and Trish
([log in to unmask], and [log in to unmask]) since Dayna was willing to
send us wheelchair plans and sources for casters when Meltdown threw her
clot.  Fortunately, Meltie did not need it, but it sounds like this little
one might.
 
Your physician's bills would be as high as your vet's if each office had to
also have x-ray machines, EKGs, incubators, oxygen chambers, loads of techs
and nurses, patient quarters, dining, IVs, and all that other stuff for
which your physician sends you to specialists, or to the hospital.  Around
here land and other costs are extremely high so that also influences the
bills.  What choices do the vets have?  Would you rather that they all live
only where land is cheap and not have the equipment and staff your little
one needs?  Our's were especially kind to us last year when our costs were
decently up there in the four figures, and we recognize and greatly
appreciate that.  They also have helped animals which are strays and have
helped wildlife.  For this they have a special fund, but to a large extent
the special fund is from their own pockets.  If your little one got out and
was found injured wouldn't you rather have it found and turned in to a
vet's hospital such as the one we patronize?  Yes, it costs, but we get
INCREDIBLE quality service and the help of people who care more than I can
ever express.  We don't owe them money right now, but we sure do owe them
gratitude.
 
Breeders vs.  stores: Tich and Mortis have it down pat.  Some breeders are
horrid, some are wonderful, most are somewhere in the middle.  Some pet
stores are horrid, some are wonderful, most are in the middle.  All that
differs is the shape of how the graph distributes and possibly the start and
end points.  Why not just patronize the best of both, correct the worst, and
encourage the middle to try a bit harder?  Guess what?  Shelters vary, too
(though we STRONGLY respect those with the gumption to run shelters and we
DO give to shelters).
 
Anyone who has not gotten Mary Shefferman's _An Owner's Guide to a Happy,
Healthy Pet Ferret_ (Howell Book House) is missing out on a real treat.
BTW, we hope that Pam and Dick both soon find new publishers (There has been
a spate of publisher bankruptcies recently.) since we want their books!
 
Re: ferret-proofing stoves: PLEASE do NOT put any flammable things into the
stove, the insulation compartment, or next to a stove.  The family (including
furries) which you save will be your own!
 
Meltie is have a VERY good day today!
 
Sukie
[Posted in FML issue 1836]