A new direction--1996
 
During the first week of January, we again visited one of the local pet
stores and I found a really neat little magazine.  It had two very adorable
ferrets on the cover.  Naturally, I had to have it.  This magazine opened up
a whole new world for me.  I had no idea that the ferret community was so
vast.  Through "Critters", I learned that there were numerous ferret clubs,
shelters, and events throughout the U.S.  I decided that I would like to
attend one of the events and possibly enter one of my babies.  I began to
send out requests for information regarding the various organizations.
 
As we entered the second week of January, I began to notice that Gismo began
to appear as if he were "dizzy".  He would "stumble" as he walked.  I
thought that he might possibly have an inner ear infection, so off we went
to the vet.  He was examined and his ears were ok.  The resident neurologist
came in, observed him, examined him and gave his assessment.  He stated that
it appeared to be neither neurological nor orthopedic.  The two doctors
concurred that they would send a message out over the internet and if any
other vet had encountered the same problem--they would reply.  A few days
later, the doctor called me at work and advised that a vet from California
had responded and advised him to check for hypoglycemia.  We brought Gis in
for a blood test and discovered that his blood sugar level was extremely
low.  He explained to me that Gismo had insulinoma and that I had three
choice: surgery and medication (the best one), medication alone, or do
nothing.  The third option was not even considered.  Once I learned what
this disease was all about, I understood that surgery and medication was
Gismo's best chance of survival.  I was terrified of the thoughts of surgery
especially following so closely behind Buddy's surgery.
 
Gismo was placed on prednisone and he responded well for a few days, then he
began to stumble once again.  I knew that I didn't have a choice any longer.
He went in for his surgery and when I picked him up at the end of the day,
his tummy was bruised from the blood underneath the skin.  My vet said tht
he had eaten, and that I could try and feed him more before bedtime.  I was
given a feeding syringe and some of the food that he had been given at the
vet's office.  Gismo was not a good patient.  I would take him out of his
nest for feeding and he would cry but he loved to eat from the syringe.  He
was medicated with prednisone and I began to see daily improvements.
 
I began receiving information back from some of the organizations.  Through
reading the material, I began to realize that I really knew nothing about
these marvelous animals even though I had been owned by one or several since
1985.  I went on an information search, joining organizations, reading, and
learning all I could.  I began to contact persons who were knowledgeable
about these animals.
 
Throughout this time period, Princess had to return to the doctor a couple
of more times to have the tumor refrozen.  My vet was really pleased with
her condition when she went for her last visit.  He stated that he felt that
her life expectancy after the first surgery would only be a couple of
months.  She has far exceeded that time period.  She feels well, eats well,
and plays a lot.  She is healthy in every way except for the recurring
tumor.
 
In June, I attended a ferret fun fest in Northern Virginia.  I had planned
on bringing an eight to ten week old kit back with me.  I had never attended
anything like this before and I had an absolute blast!  I had never seen so
many ferrets in one place at one time before.  Everyone was friendly and
helpful and a real joy to associate with.  I learned so much.  I ended up
buying a six month old kit from a professional breeder.  He was gorgeous and
gave ferret kisses right from the start.  I also adopted a year old male
from one of the shelters.  One lady who was especially helpful made a
lasting impression.  I had had the opportunity to speak with her earlier
over the phone and was elated to meet her in person.  For those of you who
know Ms. Fran Wiles, you know of whom I'm speaking.
 
A week after bringing the Virginia boys home, we were again at a pet shop.
My husband approached me, had a very disturbed look on his face and stated
that there was a really nice ferret up front but the whole cage was
infested with flies.  I went over to check it out and discovered two kits
about twelve weeks of age in an aquarium looking display case, which had a
layer of wood chips on the floor and hundreds of flies.  Rusty and Fancy
are now a part of my family.
 
Tomorrow-the conclusion.
 
Margaret. Rusty, Fancy, Princess, Gismo, Harley, Scooter, Coco and Merlin
 (and again, Scott "Are the babies using my new sweater for a nest again?"
[Posted in FML issue 1706]