Well, here at TinyPrints Ferret Rescue, we have seen alot. I have gotten in ferrets who have ear mites, poor coats, dirty ears and uncut nails. We are in fact at our Shelter Limit right now, due to all the intakes we have had in the last couple of months. Yesterday, while I was attending a Pet Auction, two ferrets came up. Now when they do, if I have the money or room and they go at a reasonable price, I have been known to purchase them, because frankly the people who attend these auctions are scary! So these two ferrets come up, one looked to be a VERY small chocolate female, the other a sable male (just by his larger size). I had not seen these two ferrets before they were up on the auction block. I bid a bit on them but had to restrain myself, due to the lack of room, and my husband is already having a fit with our high vet bills which we are struggling to pay off. So they went to another bidder. Before they could pick up the aquarium (filled with cedar bedding), I noticed the one ferret was staggering. (Smaller of the two). I tried to get over the section they put them in after they were sold but they would not let me. I recognized that stagger as one I have seen with Low Blood Sugar. I went over one isle and tried to get a look but the ferrets were laying down and I was unable to see in between all the duct tape on the aquarium. So I just decided it was out of my hands, they were probably ok. Towards the end of the auction (about 2 hours later) someone said the ferret was in distress. I immediately knew my Low Blood Sugar feeling was correct. I told them I needed to see the ferret immediately. One lady was going to get water, she thought that would help. That is all the ferret needed. I knew that was not going to work. So I ran and got pancake syrup from a food stand at the farmer's market attached to the auction house. This ferret is so thin, it is absolutely beyond words. She was staggering so bad she could not even stand up. She was shaking so bad that even wrapping her in my shirt did not stop her. She lapped up the syrup like she had not eaten in weeks (which now I do believe is true). We then went and got food which I purchased there, added warm water and mixed it up......they ate like they had not eaten in weeks! I am lucky I was in public, because I would have cried or better yet, beat the living tar out of the man who brought them in. And to make matters worse, the aquarium they were in, had broken glass which fell into the aquarium and was only being support by duct tape. That poor little girl ferret had her food wrapped around the glass and was stuck. Trying not to get bit, because she was going to eat me if she could not get to food, I had to get her little foot unstuck from the cage without cutting it on the glass! I told the person who bought the ferrets that they were extremely sick and NEEDED TO SEE A VET IMMEDIATELY, to which they backed out of the deal. They spoke with the ferret owner (who brought them to the auction to be auctioned off and got their money back.). I then spoke to the owner (in a very nice tone, which I surprised myself, because these ferrets were starving to death). He said he would just take them home and get them better. When explained that these ferrets would not "Just get better" and they would require round the clock care, fluids, and vet costs, he allowed me to take them. I am sorry, but you know, these are the worst case I hope to see of animal cruelty. The girl weights if we are lucky a 1 lb- 1.5 lbs. The boy is also skin and bones, but in better condition then she is. I got her home immediately and my friend Caryn and I got them in, got their nails and ears cleaned up, and gave her fluids. She also got my AD mixture and ate the entire bowl of food over night. You should see her face between yesterday and today. It is like a new ferret. She was literally starving to death. If she would have went home with that owner, she would be dead and I think she knows it. She is snuggled in soft towels and baby blankets. They have a nice warm cage, with plenty of food and water. Her name is now Calista, which we thought was perfect. It means "Beautiful One." And the Boy is named Harrison. If you would like to help us out with their ongoing expenses, it would be greatly appreciated. Their photos can be seen at: www.tinyprintsferrets.com/calistaharrison.htm The shelter and all the ferrets has been taking a toll on my personal bank account. In order to continue to do what I am doing, I need some public support. If you can spare even a $1.00-2.00 it would be greatly appreciated. Even if you need to purchase something ferret related, anything would help. I have ferret sweaters, jackets, Santa hats, reindeer antlers, alot of ferret related items for sale for everyday use. (Bi Odor, Ferret Lax, Ferrettone, Ferretvite, Yogies). I will be happy to sell these things at a bit above cost just to get the money to support these kids. This little girl is now on Ped. Pred ($30.00/month) until I know her blood sugar problems were due to the starving issue and not tumors. She is also getting fluids to help her with her dehydration issues. This pair will be here for a long time, until they are ready to be adopted out. They need alot of weight gain. The AD canned food is $25.00/case alone. Thanks again for your support! And hug your ferrets today in honor of Calista and Harrison. Marguerite from TinyPrints Ferret Rescue TinyPrints Shih Tzu and Rescue http://www.tinyprints-shihtzu.com TinyPrints Ferret Rescue "The Hilton Of Ferret Rescues" http://www.tinyprintsferrets.com TinyPrints Ferret Rescue Ebay and Half.com Stores http://www.stores.ebay.com/tinyprintsferretrescuestore http://half.ebay.com/shops/shops.jsp?seller_id=1093064 [Posted in FML issue 4663]