Q: "I think when you adopt a ferret it should be free.  After all the
shelter didn't pay for it....why should I have to pay so much when I am
adopting damaged goods in an abused or sick ferret?"
 
A: Damaged goods is as damaged goods does.
 
As both the professed adopter of damaged-goods ferrets and damaged-goods
humans, I slightly disagree with your assesment of the quality of ferret you
get from shelters.  More on that later; first, I want to address the first
part of your statement regarding costs.
 
While shelters rarely pay for the ferret (sometimes that *is* done, BTW),
they almost always have to pay for vet visits, shots, medicine, food,
litter, cages, electric power, gasoline, cleaning supplies, towel washing,
ad infinitum.  This adds up and shelters having large numbers of ferrets
have correspondingly high costs.  The adoption fee reflects those costs,
which are typically averaged across the board for all the ferrets, short and
long term.  Thus the adoption fee is not only fair, it is necessary.
 
From another standpoint, the adoption adds a value to the ferret, which
unfortunately some people need because they see pet lives in terms of cash
value.  These are the people that tell vets, "100 Bucks?  Hell, I can buy a
new ferret for that!!" By charging an adoption fee, a minimal value has been
placed on the ferret, which I see as helping to prevent ferrets from
becoming python food.  As far as I'm concerned, the fees are not high enough
to prevent the invention of 'feeder ferrets."
 
As for the damaged goods statement.  I could reply what I said to a
well-meaning friend who said it about my adopted children.  "The damaged
goods are the people who abused them.  These are goods that have been
restored with loving care, and are *better* than the original." More than
half of my ferrets are "damaged goods" and I have to say they are as loving
and sweet as ANY ferret I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, including
those I have raised form kits.
 
Ferrets that have been traumatized, for any reason, can and sometimes do
have special needs.  In most cases, those needs are simply understanding
and patience.  Sometimes, those needs are medical, but, as my thumb bears
witness, sometimes it can be emotional as well.  (No, I am not guilty of
anthropomorphizing; ferret emotions are ferret emotions, and those can be
disturbed just as easily as human emotions)  As the ferret get used to its
new environment, as it learns that it is no longer being mistreated, they
will mellow out and settle down into very loving and caring pets,
trustworthy and caring towards the people that are bold enough to call
themselves their owner.  I have NEVER regreted an adoption.
 
The best way to explain this is with two of my ferrets.  Foster is currently
13 years old.  If I whistle, he will wake up and find me, even though he is
blinded by old-age cataracts.  He rassles my hands, dancing like a kit.  He
sleeps on my lap, he is constantly licking my chin, and he will wait at a
door or under my feet when he hears my voice.  He knows his name, and will
always come when I call, except if he is eating chicken.  I adore the old
man, and have been blessed with him, no doubt.  I adopted Foster about 4
years ago.  He is "damaged goods."
 
Chrys is about 3 years old.  Hes a big bumbling boy with a big butt and a
heart of gold.  If you reach for him and he is not ready, he will react with
fear, but he never bites and never attempts to bite.  I found Chrys and his
brother in a hamster-sized cage, both in full rut because they were next to
another small cage containing their sisters in full heat.  Chrys stayed
with me, his brother went to a wonderful home in NM, and he has become a
fantastic little guy, even though he remains a tad bit timid towards people.
He is the ferret I first introduce to new ferrets because he can be a friend
to anyone.  He is the ferret I take to show children because he is so
gentle.  I can hardly stand the sight of the big oaf bumbling along, his
butt bouncing behind him.  He is "damaged goods."
 
I could easily discuss each and every one of my "Damaged goods" ferrets in
a similar light.  As with children, I have found the concept of "damaged
goods" to be erroneous and prejudicial.  They have been hurt?  Yes!  They
are scared?  Yes!  They are damaged beyond repair?  It depends on the
repairman, doesn't it?  The tools of that repair are patience, kindness,
warmth, love, symapthy, and dedication.  Those tools, with time, will
restore any ferret to factory condition, if you have the courage and faith
necessary.
 
Shelter owners have those tools and attributes.  Don't complain about
adoption fees; you are getting a good deal at any cost.  I suggest if you
are asked for $50 buck, throw in an extra $20 and volunteer to clean some
cages for a week.  Life is more than money.
 
Bob C and 20 MO Furry Fruitcakes
[Posted in FML issue 2236]