[Forwarded for Diane by [log in to unmask] (Shari). BIG] >Yet, another baby ferret abandon by their owners and left in the apartment >for at least 5 days. But this isn't the saddest part... Saturday night >when the neighbor called with news the tenants moved and they were hearing >screaming noises from the apartment. When the landlord arrived to >investigate, they found an abandon ferret. They called the humane society >in Charlotte whom gave them my number and they immediately called me. I >was at the meeting in Raleigh at the time and did not get home till almost >10 pm. When I heard the message, I returned the call but only got an >answering machine. So I left a message. > >Sunday, 5pm, I received a return call and scheduled to meet them to pick >up the baby. He told me he gave her some water and found a cup of food on >the counter. (turned out to be hamster pellets) Since he had no knowledge >of ferrets he called a couple of pet stores to see if they would take her >but was quickly told no. So he then ask what he should do for her and was >told to give her any kind of food and some water and she would be fine. >He knew this was not true and said he didn't think she would make it >another day because she was weak since there wasn't A/C and it was a >small, dirty cage. I had no idea how small or the condition she was in. >When I arrived, I was totally unprepared for what I saw. It was >completely heartbreaking and knocked me to my knees! > >She was in a small aquarium with the lid taped down with duck tape, >floating in an inch or more of urine and poop. Completely covered in the >foul, flopping from side to side, her little face looking up at me in pure >hope I was there to help. Ripping at the tape to open the lid, she cried >out as she struggled to get to me. The smell and heat from fermenting >foul took my breath away. Wanting to vomit, I held my breath as I scooped >her up in my hands. She was gasping for air and so hot it burned my hands >to touch her. Quickly, the landlord turned on the water (no power so it >was cold), I rinsed her off as best I could. > >Wrapping her a cleaning rag to dry her off, we noticed blisters all over >her. really couldn't see much in the light from the flashlight, so decided >to get her as quickly as I could, back up to our emergency vet on the way >home. She laid in my lap, weakly rubbing to dry herself and eventually, >gobbled at the food I offered. After a few bites, she crawled in my shirt >and went to sleep. I was too afraid to check on her lest I find her not >breathing. She never moved again till we reached the vet. Once there, >in decent light, she is covered in blisters and urine burns. Her little >ears are infested with ear mites and she is covered in fleas. Severely >dehydrated, Dr. Heimen started subQ fluids which perked her right up. We >then cleaned her up and treated the burns and an injection of antibiotic. >Her knees turn in and feet out. She can not stand on them at all and has >absolutely no muscle tone. X-rays showed no signs of broken bones so we >have come to the conclusion she has never been out of the aquarium. Her >age is no more than 6 months, if that. > >She slept in my shirt all the way home. Once in the house, I put her down >and she cried to be picked back up. Tony fixed her a nice cage with all >the warm, fuzzy sleep ware, but once in, she continued to cry and get to >me. So there was no choice but to allow her to sleep in my shirt (a clean >one because of the foul smell in the other) all night. Even while I was >taking care of other ferrets/ cages/ meds, she never moved a muscle. >Today, she is scooting around like a fish out of water and I started >physical therapy/ water therapy on her legs. She is eating chicken gravy >and kibble like there is no tomorrow. There is a big difference in the >severity of the sores/ burns and think she is going to make it! Please >remember her in your prayers and if you would like to help sponsor her or >one of the other special needs ferrets, it will be greatly appreciated. > >The landlord has taken pictures of the aquarium and we have done so of >her. This will not be forgotten or excused for we intend to prosecute >these people for animal cruelty as soon as we find them!!!! > >"Squiggles" (her temporary name) will see them in court and will have >justice one way or another! Always in need of your help and loving you >for it, > > Ferret Guardian Rescue Haven > 111 Bay Berry Court > Statesville, NC 28677 > www.FerretGuardian.org > (919) 872-9538 > >Thank you for your assistance! [Posted in FML issue 3139]