This posting is not meant to overburden all the rescues and shelters out there but is meant to remind all of the ferret owners out there in the world that read the FML about some of the things they should keep in mind if they are ever forced to get rid of there ferrets . I also want all ferret owners to know that this posting is not meant to criticize anyone for giving up there ferrets as we shelter operators understand that at times there are valid reasons for people not keeping their beloved fuzzies. The reasons for this posting are because as I was looking in the paper today to check out our shelter listing and saw a couple of ads for ferrets. I want all to know that if you are ever forced into the situation where you cannot keep your ferrets, you should always contact your local shelter first. Why? Anybody who is buying a ferret out of the paper may be looking for a cheap deal, or promise you if you give them the ferret they PROMISE to give it a good home. Folks looking for a cheap deal will eventually change the ferrets diet to CHEAP food. There may be other animals in the house that are dangerous to ferrets. There are questions that should be asked by you, but probably won't be asked because you are not a shelter and just don't know to ask them. They may also not notice if your ferret goes into a depression when you surrender it after having it for some time and it was bonded to you. So many times we hear about how they ran out of the food the ferret was eating and then went to the grocery store to get food for their ferret. There are no grocery stores that sell a high quality , premium food for ferrets. Even if you are considering giving your ferret to a friend, pleasse be careful. Unless they already have ferrets and are aware that ferrets can become clinically depressed, and don't usually change to different foods just overnight, your ferret may be in danger in just a couple of weeks time. There are so many things that your ferrets are used to doing in your care that they won't be allowed to do in their new home and this could stress them out. Your local shelter is used to dealing with stressed out ferrets, starving and abused ferrets and just about everything that can happen to ferrets, they have already had to deal with at least once before. Most ferret shelters are no kill shelters and can help you get good medical care for your ferrets by sending you to a qualified vet. If your situation is temporary, you may be able to board your ferrets at the shelter for a reasonable fee. Consulting your local shelter is always the best thing you can do for your fuzzy one. Please remember one thing, shelter operators are usually preety darn strapped for money because they shell out everything they have to take care of all the ferrets that are given to them, so if you do surrender your ferret at a shelter, please try to leave a donation of whatever you can afford to leave. It won't change the way your ferret is cared for, but it will help the shelter continue to provide the level of care they provide for all of the fuzzkids. One more thing. If you don't know how to get hold of your local rescue, call your local animal control and they may know, or contact one of us shelters that post on the FML. Most of us have a list that has all the shelters in the U.S., and most of us will be happy to help you in helping your fuzzy one Hugs to all, Ferretguy [Posted in FML issue 3080]