>From: Victor Williams <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: The Nightmare of Ferret Ownership?!?!? Well I'm not going to lie to you about ferret ownership. It is a lot of work, time, effort, and many heartbreaks... but I have 5 fuzzies.. and they really give me lots of joy. I love them so much they are like kids to me. Ask yourself, Would you or do you have kids? Kids can be just as much or more trouble. So you have to think of these little critters as like children that never grow up.. good one.. they don't need college. But yes there are many diseases and health issues that these wee ones can get or have and it's devasting to see. But on a more positive note there is research being done for many of these. (also The Governor has promised to look at legalizing them in CA). Okay so why get a ferret? or two? Well they are one of the greatest creations God made. These wee ones bring me so much joy, happiness and love. They make my day worth getting up in the morning just to see those little faces and them bouncing around and playing.. running and hiding their treats... As long as you have the love and patience to deal with these fuzzies they are wonderful animals. But yes we have to deal wth them through good times and sick time. I have had one die of Juvenile Lymphoma a yr ago... very sad. And I have one with Adrenal Disease which is going in for Surger. Yes the expense is high owning a ferret, both in your heart and in your pocket book... but I feel it's all worth it. This is something you need to decide on your own. True the don't have a long life span.. but they enjoy the time they are here and the loving that they receive from hoomans. Anyways.. if you are really concerned and cannot make up your mind, maybe you can go to the nearest shelter where you live and help out, spend some time there. Get to know Ferrets more. Yes there are ferret shelters in CA. But they are very low key of course. But all I know Is i bought 2 of them and then it didn't stop (have 5 now) (like chips, you can never just have 1!) I was addicted regardless they won my heart and I give them the best they can have while they are on earth for such a short time. dooks to you! Suzanne, Tiki, Kiwi, Cashew, Peanut, Trouble and then my neurotic dog - Gritz... [Posted in FML issue 4531]