I delete my E-mails after I read them now to stop my computer from
freezing up on me.  But someone in Chicago had 2 ferrets that were to be
given up because of children's allergies and a surgery for Mom coming
up.Yes?  Please pass this on.
 
A. To Mom
 
1. Hello there.  I thought I might be of some small service.  I JUST
joined Angies List.  So if you need the name of pet sitters recommended
in your area-please E-mail me, and I will look this up for you.
 
That way, a pet sitter can come in once or twice a day for a few weeks
after surgery to care for the ferrets while you recuperate.
 
2. Allergies: After about a year, children (and adults) can become bored
with the living being they have taken responsibility for.  The job of
caring for a pet can often fall on Mom, despite the kids promises, and
dad begging.
 
So if Mom cares for the little guys, it will not be the end of the world
for the kids in a lot of cases.  I do not know if that would apply here.
 
Simply move the ferret cage out of the kids room, wash their little
ferret bedding twice a week.  Let the ferrets play in your bed room for
3 or 4 hours a day.  Put some tubing in there.  Look at what cuties you
have, Mom.
 
Put a sound machine in the room to block out any little ferret noises.
Or a fan.  Either works great.  And vacuum a little more often.  Get an
air purifying unit.  Makes a huge difference.
 
My e-mail is up above.  E-mail me and I will find pet sitters in your
area recommended by others on Angies List for you.
 
B. Taking in ferrets
 
I have written with several dozen of you over the years about taking in
ferrets.  Often times, the ferret is older than you are told, and is ill.
If this possibility is all right with you-go for it.  And God Bless You.
 
I write to let people know--off-line---to ask for the Marshall Farms
papers of the ferret that came with the ferret from the store, and/or get
copies of the vets report on age of ferret, distemper shots, etc.  Call
the vet, if things are looking serious, with the permission of person
giving up the ferret.  Has the animal been ill?  Fleas, ear mites, blood
tests?
 
So far.,over the years, when one of you asked for this upfront-you never
heard from the people who were so very, very eager to drop their ferret
off at your house.  The one that they swore was healthy, and a year or
two old.
 
Not everyone has the financial resources or time to have a sick, old
ferret dumped on them under false pretenses.  It is grossly unfair to
the bewildered ferret and the betrayed person.
 
So be loving, kind, and helpful.  But also be cautious.  Use common
sense.
 
And be careful giving your address out.  One person had the ferret she
had never seen but was thinking about taking in dumped on her doorstep.
He was sick and needed immediate vet care.  I had warned her too late.
 
Meet in a well lit, neutral area -like a pet store- to review papers and
ferret.  And bring a friend with you.  Let others know where you are
going, and who you are meeting.  Play it safe.
 
*I am in no way implying that there is anything wrong with the Chicago
ferrets*
 
But you are most likely on the FML because you have a ferret.  Protect
that little one.  He or she is totally dependent upon YOU and your
judgment and your actions.
 
Lisette
[Posted in FML issue 3910]