I'm a little behind, so I did not realize how badly Chere was doing.  Oh,
Chere, you can't give up your shelter!  Last year, when the shelter lost 7
ferrets to distemper, I thought, "Why?  I just can't do this anymore, it
hurts too much to continue!" Then one of my ferrets looked up at me and I
could hear him say," if you don't speak for us, who will?  Who will take
care of us, provide us shelter, food, water & love?" And then I realized
that I had to keep helping the little guys as best as I could, for as long
as I could.  My thoughts and prayers are with you in these most difficult
times.  Please hang in there for the ferrets!
 
This weekend, my little bubble of complacency was burst. I found out that 4
wonderful, beautiful ferrets who were adopted out were euthanized by Virginia
Beach Animal Control and being tested for rabies. I can't go into all the
details, but a person (not the ferrets owner) turned in the ferrets to get
back at the owner.  The ferrets were listed as strays, not owner released.
The animal control officers were bitten by one of the four but since all the
ferrets were in the same cage and could not recognize which had bitten, the
decision to test for rabies was made.  The owner of these ferrets is
devastated.  The animals were up-to-date on all shots, including rabies!  I
need everyone's help.  I can not find my copies of the Univ.  of Kansas
rabies shedding study.  I need everyone in the state of Virginia to petition
to change the laws to include ferrets for quarantine.  I was informed by the
Health department that they routinely recommend quarantine for dogs and cats
ONLY.  Please Help!
[Posted in FML issue 1588]