Let me express the viewpoint of someone who has adopted a shelter ferret.
Bo came to us almost a year ago.  Unbeknowst to us, he was a terrible
biter and this could well have been a result of stress at changing homes.
At any rate, he could be terrible, especially around men.  It was love at
first site for me though and after several months of torment for my poor
husband, Bo is now a loving, kissy face.  My point here is, if Bo had gone
to someone less tolerant and willing to give him time and lots of love, he
would have once again been shuffled around or worse(I had several people
tell me to "just have him put to sleep" like that was an option.) If
shelter owners make a ferret a permanent resident, I am sure it is out of
love for the ferret.  We all love our ferrets but some people have a
different level of tolerance.
[Posted in FML issue 3673]