Dear Ferret Lovers, On August 10, 2002 - One of our loving ferret moms went to a ferret "shelter" in Maryland to relieve the owner of the shelter's residents, as the owner could no longer care for the ferrets. Upon arrival, our friend found over 40 ferrets roaming free in the house. None of them had ever been caged or seen a litter pan. The house was filthy (poop covered everything, including the sofa), so the ferrets didn't have proper ferret potty habits. Basically they would go wherever they were -- including on their fellow ferrets. Many had open, infected sores (presumably urine burns). The ferrets had been fed regularly (albeit cat food) and handled, but had never seen a vet. Many cried out in pain when touched. Many had huge tumors, no hair and obvious physical problems. Our friend and a veterinarian friend removed all the ferrets and examined them. Our friend took 18 who looked like they could be helped with good care and surgery, and could most likely be eventually adopted out. The vet friend took 15 older but still reasonably healthy ferrets. Sadly, the rest of the ferrets had to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge to end their suffering. :o( The remaining 18 ferrets are in desperate need of medical care and the TRFC has set up a fund to help offset these ferrets expenses. Please, if you can find a spare $1 or more - consider visiting our web page (http://home.att.net/~trferretcouncil/mdferrets.htm) for these ferrets complete sad story and individual descriptions. Choose to sponsor one or more of them if you wish, or send what you can to help. Checks and money orders can be mailed to: MD Ferret Rescue Fund c/o Three Rivers Ferret Council, Inc. PO Box 7412 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-0412 We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, so your donation is tax-deductible!! We also accept Visa, MasterCard & PayPal. Contact us by email for instructions. Thank you, Three Rivers Ferret Council, Inc. a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization PO Box 7412 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-0412 (412) 431-2830 http://home.att.net/~trferretcouncil [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 3904]