Hi all,
Please don't look at my hesitation to reply as avoidance or evasion.
More caution than anything else.
As Marlene points out this is occurs more than most know and the
outcome could be quite different than both our experiences. I was lucky
to have been blessed with one of the girls from the Richmond rescue
from one of those research "dumps" back in '04. "Charlotte" has been
such a special, darling little girl. One of those "she picked me" kind
of things. While looking into their cage, having 18 little beady little
eyes staring back at me I wondered out loud, "How am I going to decide
on just one?". So I asked the group, "Who wants to come out to meet
me?", and one little dark flash sparked out of the "herd", down the
ramps to the bottom door. I opened the door & she leapt into my waiting
hands. "OH, How sweet!" I exclaimed and held her close to me for a
snuggle. Then it happened... CHOMP.... right on the tip of my nose. Ah,
love at first bite! Yep. She chose me.
Robyn was kind enough to answer the initial post. I emailed Missy
directly and explained the process to her personally because of not
wanting to get the good doc in deep doo-doo. These guys aren't used for
"research" per say. They are, as Robyn said, used to teach Veterinarian
students how to humanly handle & treat ferrets in their future
practices. Those of us who have searched for a ferret knowledgeable
Veterinarian or deal with after hours emergency care know how vital
this is. I read weekly about folks dealing with their frustration in
trying to find any in their area, some having to drive several hours
one way to be seen by one. This program not only helps the students
learn about our beloved ferrets, but for several instills a deep
admiration for them and launches them into the realm of "ferret lover".
Why would the doc be in jeopardy? The final thing the students learn is
how to neuter the boys (they always get the retiring hobs) and while
still under anesthesia, well lets just say they are not supposed to not
wake up. Being the kind of person this Vet is, that doesn't happen.
We've been working them thru our shelter for four years now. Biters,
yes. Shy, yes. Retrainable, oh yes! Rehomeable, definitely. Best of
all, alive & well!
Nothing dastardly going on.
Debbie
[Posted in FML 6185]
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