Hi... Just wanted to touch Base with you about your Post to the FML. We have been running a Shelter/Rescue for 4 years Now, and 2 of them are now in North Carolina. We had 1st of all run around crazy when we first moved here from FL looking for a Ferret Vet. Well they all say "YES!! We Know Ferrets", But we did in fact put them to test. We weeded and found a very good vet that was willing to learn more and do more for Ferrets. Now what I am trying to get to is this.... When we get a Rescue Ferret in, the First thing is have Dr. Horton come to the Shelter and Examine the Ferret(s). We get as much information as we can from the people who turn them over to us, as well as Animal control gets good info also when they get one in. The exam is done within 8 hrs. The exam consists of Complete Checkup-Heartworm check-Glucose check, and a Full Blood work Panel. The Next step is Shots. We give them there Distemper and Rabies Shots. Last step is Corentene Time. We NEVER put a New Rescue with any of the other rescue's for a 10 day Period. For this is to be on the safe side till all the Blood work comes back to us and the Vet Clears the Ferret. Now, After all this is Done, we try the Ferret with other ferrets UNLESS he had shown or we had found a Past History of ECE, otherwise we let him in a separate room. If he never had or shown ECE we let him Run with the Others Under Strict Supervision. After we see How he adjust and all after a 2 week Period, then we List him/her for Adoption. If for any Reason this Ferret has any Problems, such as Adrenal, We treat with Surgery. Most of the Adrenal Ferrets become Residents for up to 6-8 Months, so we can see how he/she responded to the Surgery. Insulnoma Ferrets are provided with the Pred, and when adopted out WE always tell the new Mom and Dad about all we have done, and if they require any Meds, we tell them where they can Purchase it at, and WE always give enough Meds to make it by for a week, so they can get the scrip Filled. Now, we Adopt a Ferret out for a Fee of $50. This is Way Below the Cost of having this Ferret Checked out, as it only covers a Portion of the cost. And when the Ferret is here we always, (No Matter What we were told they Eat), We give a Choice of 4 Different, High Protein Foods. They are Totally Ferret,Iams Kitten, ProPlan Kitten,Purina Kitten. This way we can Monitor which they like best, then weed them from the last 2 choices. We will always Offer the Top two that they Want. They are also Given Duck soup, and Boost, and Nutri-cal to get they best of Health Back. And we Find the Best choice of Treat that they like. Now I don't Know what other Shelters do, But that is our Standard Procedures for rescue's. We Operate off Donations(which are Slim to None) and off Fund Raiser(We are now starting them), and Most of it comes from Our Pockets. My Advice to you, in the Future, when you Adopt a Ferret Check the Shelter out, and ask Questions about what has been Done. Ask for the Rabies tag if shots were given. There is a large Cost in Rescuing Ferrets and Sheltering them, and if they are just someone that took a ferret or some ferrets cause they Loved them and wanted to rescue them for any reason, and then try to adopt them out, chances are they didn't get the necessary shots , and that is your Responsibility. Please Check Out you Shelter, and Don't Get upset with Shelters as we work Hard and Long Hours to Provide the Unwanted-Abused-neglected Little Furry Fuzzy(s) With All The Love and Care One Could Ever Give. Thanks, Gary Skinner Western North Carolina Ferret Shelter,Rescue & Club Judy & Gary Skinner 3219 Oran Yount Ln Granite Falls, NC 28630 828-396-8117 [log in to unmask] http://users.twave.net/ferrethut/default.html [Posted in FML issue 2713]