I've heard that there have been confused stories going around, I'm posting to clarify things. Last Saturday, 6/13, the Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter received 9 ferrets from Ed Lipinski's wife and daughter. We understand that this represents all but one of the ferrets in the house. They were surrendered to us, and we were told that Ed's health is failing. He is going into the hospital for an operation (we weren't told what), and that the family didn't know when he might be functional and lucid again. Due to his failing health, he hasn't been able to care for the ferrets as he normally would have. We were told that they had been fed Purina One dry dog food. All of the ferrets were given thorough vet examinations. The females appeared to have been in heat for some time. All of the females were given ultrasound exams to verify whether they were pregnant or not (none were). In those exams, the rest of the organs, including the heart appeared to be normal. The ferrets were all intact with the exception of two Marshalls ferrets in the group. All ferrets were carefully examined, and given dental scaling, ear cleaning, ivermectin for ear mites, and famotidine to help them not develop ulcers from the stress. I was personally present for all of the exams, and handled & helped to treat them myself. The ferrets had obviously not been handled or socialized, and they would bite from fear. In the past when we've gotten ferrets from Ed's ferretry, they've often been biters, but with loving handling, they come around very quickly. These ferrets are already starting to relax and come around. These ferrets will be cared for, handled and loved, spayed/neutered and descented, and when ready, we will place them in loving homes. I hope this clarifies things. Kevin Farlee President, Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter [Posted in FML 6369]