Happy Ferret Freedom Day!! On March 7th, 1996, Governor Weld stated the following - (read by then-Lieutenant Governor Cellucci) Search and seizure may make sense if there is a crocodile in the tub or a cougar in the closet, but a ferret on the Barcalounger that's what domestic bliss is made of. This was the day the bill took effect making it okay to be a ferret in Massachusetts, and March 7th was declared Ferret Freedom Day!! The passing of this bill was made possible due to the efforts of a small group of ferret owners, many of whom are still active in MaFF today. Today, as we celebrate their efforts, we are reminded that in some cities and states across the country, there are still ferret owners fighting this battle. In Massachusetts, we still need help in educating the public about ferrets and our shelters need support to continue with the care of the ferrets they have opened their homes to. MaFF will be celebrating Ferret Freedom Day this Saturday, March 9th, 12pm - 4pm at Saltaire Farm in Wareham, MA. We will have lunch, a short board meeting and the annual Board of Directors elections. All members are invited to attend, please bring with you your ideas for MaFF and ferret stories to share. This is a human only event, no furchildren please. Visit the MaFF website at www.maferrets.org <http://www.maferrets.org> for more details. On this special day, go play with your ferrets, give them an extra treat, and remember those who have gone to the bridge. Above all, be thankful to the people who made the effort to get this bill passed 6 years ago, without them, we would not know the joys of being owned by ferrets, and remember there is still work to be done to ensure all ferrets are being cared for in the best way possible. Special thanks to Gimmee Shelter Ferret Rescue, Frisky Ferret Shelter, Luv of Ferrets and the Educated Ferret Agency for all of their efforts through the years in caring for the unwanted ferrets in Massachusetts. Tracey Goodwin President, Massachusetts Ferret Friends ____________________________________________ MaFF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, outreach and shelter for the benefit of the domestic ferret. Massachusetts Ferret Friends, Inc. P.O. Box 3123, Wakefield, MA 01880 www.maferrets.org [Posted in FML issue 3715]