Well I've enjoyed reading the FML since recently becomming a subscriber. I like to print it out and read it in the bath before I go to bed. The humorous stories are my favorites but unfortunately what happened today was far from funny. Seven days ago our county animal shelter was called out to pick up a stray ferret. The guy was running around loose in the city. I went down to the shelter to look at the stray, (a neutered male sable with an excellent temperment) and I asked the director what her plans were for the fuzzy founding. Since ferrets had only recently been legalized here in Michigan policy regarding thier adoption was not written. She cited the fact that our local health department considers them "wild" and a "risk for rabies" as a major consideration in her deciding what the fate of this ferret would be. Fortunately a Veterinarian that works for the animal shelter asked to adopt the foundling. I thought the matter was settled and was working on gathering information to present to the director of the shelter in helping her decide what policy regarding ferrets would be. Last night I received a call from a shelter employee telling me the ferret was scheduled for euthanasia in the morning. I called the Vet who wanted the ferret and we decided to put major pressure on the director to stay the execution for a few more days. This morning I called the director as soon as the shelter opened and had a long discussion with her regarding this ferret, telling her bluntly that I disagreed with her decision to euthanize this animal. She was polite as could be. I also called our local paper and advised them as to what was going on. The director ordered the kennel manager to euthanize the ferret as soon as she got off the phone with me, you should have seen the smoke roll out of my ears when I got the call informing me of that. I haven't heard from the paper yet but have an appointment to see the head of public health (the director's boss) on monday. We've also put plans in high gear to establish our clinic as a rescue group for ferrets. Well I'll keep you all informed as to what happens but I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing that ball of fur and making a run for it, he would have fit so nicely into my medical bag too. Michael M. Phelps DVM Coit Animal Clinic Grand Rapids MI 616-363-5530 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1142]