Re Ferret CPR/Heimlich - there was a posting to the FML by Charles Fox back
in November, about doing the Heimlich successfully on his ferret, Trouble.
He gave a detailed description of what he did.  I don't have the issue
number, but the date on the post was Wed, 8 Nov 1995 [BIG, do you have the
issue#?]   [#1372 BIG]
 
Re Do Ferrets Sweat?  - on why a ferret trapped in a plastic bag would be
damp, it was probably condensation from the moisture in the ferret's breath.
Ever breathe on a mirror?  Everything I've been told, indicates that ferrets
do not sweat efficiently enough to provide any benefit.
 
Earlier, there was discussion on putting together a list of things to do if
your ferret got lost.  When Chere and Debbie came through in February, one
of the things they gave me was a handout called "How To Trace A Lost Pet."
It listed the following steps:
 
1. Check through your house carefully, including places where your ferret
   "couldn't possibly go." Look inside drawers, under dressers, in hampers,
   under and inside refrigerators, etc.
2. Check your backyard, bushes and garage.  Most ferrets when exploring a
   new area will cling to the side of a building or structure before
   venturing out into an open area.
3. Ask your neighbors and especially neighborhood children.  Kids spend
   more time outside than adults do and a new "creature" roaming the block
   will surely catch their attention.  Ask permission to enter neigbors'
   sheds or garages and ask your neighbors to check their dryer vents to see
   if the ferret may have climbed into them.
4. Post notices and pictures of your ferret wherever possible - bulletin
   boards at grocery stores, libraries, gas stations.  Be sure to go back
   and take them down again once your pet is back safe at home.
5. Alert your mailman, newspaper boy, and anyone else who passes through
   your area frequently.
6. Call your local police, city pound, and animal shelters.  If possible,
   give them a picture of your ferret or a very detailed description.  Does
   your ferret have any tattoos or distinguishing marks to make
   identification easier?  Check back frequently since they may be too busy
   to call you.
7. Place your ferret's cage or carrier outside with some of his bedding in
   it.  Sometimes they can smell their way home.  Check the cage frequently
   for signs of his return.
8. Place an ad in your local newspaper.  Give a detailed description of your
   pet; when it was lost; and the general area where it was lost.  You don't
   have to list an address, but be sure to list your phone number.
 
To this list I would personally add the following:
 
9.  Contact the area veterinarians.  Many of them keep Lost & Found bulletin
    boards.  Someone may bring in a "found" animal, not knowing what else to
    do with it, and not wanting to call the pound.  (A friend of mine had
    her dog returned this way.)
10. If there is a ferret club or shelter in your area, report the loss to
    them.  Sometimes, animal control will contact the club or shelter in
    case of a stray ferret, since they might not have provision to take it
    themselves.  And, clubs may keep a lost/found pet database.
11. BEFORE YOUR PET IS EVER LOST train your ferret to come to a specific
    sound!  Use a loud whistle or squeaky toy with a distinctive sound to
    signal treat time to your ferret, and get your ferret used to coming to
    that sound to get a treat!  (FerreTone usually works well as the bribe
    here...) Then, if your pet is ever missing, you can use the sound
    outside to encourage your pet to return to you.
 
Hope this helps.
Blessings,
Carla
Rio Grande Domestic Ferret Club
[Posted in FML issue 1610]