Ferrets bring so much joy into our lives, but because their lives are so short it is hard to appreciate them as much as we should while they are with us. Because this is the time of year that we traditionally sit back and reflect on the things that we are thankful for, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have an event dedicated to showing our appreciation for the ferrets in our lives. That is why the Cascade Ferret Network is having a Ferret Appreciation Day. You and your ferrets (healthy ferrets in secure carriers outfitted with food, water, and bedding are welcome) are cordially invited to attend a fun fund raising event to benefit shelter ferrets at the Cascade Ferret Network in Portland, OR Ferret Appreciation Day November 24th, 12:00 - 5:00 CFN Central Facility (3025 NE Hoyt, Portland, OR) 503-231-0887, www.cascadeferret.org Show your appreciation for your ferrets by participating in this event. There will be lots of activities to give you the opportunity to create gifts for your ferret such as a personalized stocking that you can fill with a treat mixture created just for them from a smorgasbord of ingredients, or construct a special toy, or make a ferret ornament. Other special ways to show your appreciation for your ferrets include purchasing a luxurious customized nest box for your ferret's security (they love curling up to sleep inside these dark cozy boxes), or buying the ready-to-use digging box filled with rice or biodegradable packing peanuts, or picking out something from the wide variety of hand-made sleep sacks and hammocks available. There will also be cheweasel products, Totally Ferret Treat packets, and lots of used supplies and equipment (water bottles, travel/hospital cages, toys, leashes and harnesses, carrybags, books, shampoo, deodorizer, etc.) available for purchase. Something ferret lovers will appreciate is a 2003 Ferret calendar autographed by animal advocate Annmarie Lucas from the Animal Planet show "Animal Precinct". Annmarie said she is a ferret lover and doesn't agree with the law banning them in New York City. Something a ferret owner can never have enough of is nice photographs of their pets. We will have special holiday oriented props and set-ups to get a nice ferret family portrait for the holidays. One of the most important ways you can show your appreciation for your ferret is by getting regular veterinary exams by an experienced ferret vet and having your ferret tested for ADV. Dr. Katrina Ramsell will be present to give exams and draw blood for ADV testing through United Vaccines. Responsible owners need to know their ferrets' ADV status! Help the shelter ferrets by participating in Ferret Appreciation Day. Elayne Barclay CFN Network Coordinator [Posted in FML issue 3972]