Sunday, November 30, 2008

November update

Adopted:
  • Marty and Blaze are being fostered permanently. The pair has been in three different foster homes and we're happy that they have finally settled down.
  • Another Black Jack has found a home and we hope she benefits from a loving environment.
  • Buffy and Jody were adopted and join a group of three other ferrets. This energetic duo deserved to go to a good home after spending almost a year at the shelter.

Arrivals:
  • Rob Roblin was found abandoned in an empty apartment. We're surprised that his abandonment has left no damaging effects to his playfulness and overall appearance. We're excited to see him develop into an even more beautiful ferret!
  • Since her arrival, Punkin Pie has already gained six ounces and is on her way to recovery. Despite being severely neglected, Punkin Pie has been a sweetheart.
  • The aptly named Girl Next Door was surrendered by one of the neighbors of the director. Up until her arrival at The Ferret Inn, she has never been out of her cage. When we let her out for the first time, she didn't know what to do with herself! She's about 8 months old, has beautiful soft fur and unique markings over her body.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Before and after: Flea



Flea doesn't even look like the ferret she was just one month ago. When she arrived at The Ferret Inn, Flea was severely underweight and anemic because she had so many fleas on her. Her cage mate was not as fortunate and died a few hours after being rescued by our volunteers.



Both Flea and Rob Roblin come from the same local animal shelter. They have taken a liking to each other and are now cage mates. Flea is becoming more and more playful and never misses and opportunity to dook as loud as she can. Flea is looking better everyday and can't wait for a permament home.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

New arrival: Pumpkin Pie


Poor Pumpkin Pie was found in a cage outside on the freezing weather. She was put outside because the mom didn't want the smell in the house and the daughter lost interest. She was surrendered by an acquaintance of the previous owner. The guy who rescued her took her to a vet, but after the vet could not get a blood sample, the vet released her saying she'd have to stay overnight. She was then taken to The Ferret Inn and was unresponsive, severely dehydrated, barely breathing, and with a body temperature so low that the thermometer would not register. She was rushed to a ferret-knowledgeable vet and stayed overnight. Twenty-four hours later, she is conscious and able to move herself. Seeing how this is one of the worst neglect cases the director has seen, we cannot believe that she is alive today.





She also shows many burns on her foot pads and nose (possibly due to the severe cold), her legs are injured and still has trouble walking. She's very underweight and shy. However, she is eating dry kibble, prescription canned food and drinking water. We expect her to be in critical care for the next few weeks. This little chocolate has a cute mouse face and is probably around two years old. We can't wait for her to benefit from the nurturing environment that she's always deserved.

The Giving Tree 2008



The Giving Tree is up for this holiday season. All of these ferrets are shelter ferrets like our own at The Ferret Inn. People can choose a ferret and send them gifts based on what's on their wish list. We all know how many resources it takes to raise them, so we encourage people to think about the ferrets this holiday season.



Ferrets from The Ferret Inn can be found on page 4. Please make sure to check out all fourteen pages.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Spotlight on volunteers: Amanda


Amanda Mitchel has been with The Ferret Inn since the beginning of October 2008. She moved from Arizona and graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont. She's had four ferrets and currently works as a theater intern in DC.

How did you get interested in ferrets?

Well, when I was about 8, my mother and I decided it was time to get a pet that wasn't a rodent. Since my dad is allergic to cats and dogs, we decided a rabbit would be perfect. We researched for weeks, were all set up, went to the pet store--and fell in love with their only ferret. It's been true love ever since!


How did you find out about us and what made you want to volunteer?

Ever since I had to get rid of my ferrets when I went college, I've just missed being around them terribly. Once I realized I had some free weekends here, I started researching ferret shelters where I could donate some time. The Ferret Inn seemed particularly in need of help--and also particularly close, haha.

What's your favorite part about volunteering at The Ferret Inn?

Being around all the crazy personalities! Furry and otherwise.

And the least favorite part?

Well...honestly, who likes cleaning up poopy newspapers?

Do you have any favorite ferrets?


Haha, yeah. I just can't resist little Luna, Kitty, Clyde, Thelma and Louise, and Calypso. And then of course there's Aries and Socrates...and Tiff (one of the BlackJack 21).

What were your ferrets like?

Oh, I could go on for ages about my ferrets! But I'll try to sum them up. Ricki was my first ferret; she wasn't much of a cuddler, but kept us laughing. Bandit came along a bit later; she and Ricki were thick as thieves, but Bandit died shortly after we got her. Crysta was a little princess, who wanted nothing to do with any other ferrets, but loved people. She liked to hoard toys, too, and make little nests of her 'babies'. Cliff was the only ferret who could deal with Crysta, mainly becuase he was too doofy to realize she was trying to beat him up. He was incredibly sweet, and just always wanted to be around everybody (except in the living room...he was scared of it!).

What's it like not living with them anymore?

Not living with them now is a terribly hard adjustment. I miss the endless supply of love and smiles; I miss always having a playmate; I even miss having my feet bitten when I'm asleep! I don't know what else to say--it's like not having a pet. Fewer responsibilities, fewer bills, sure--but fewer rewards as well.



The Ferret Inn values its volunteers tremendously and is always in need of more. If you are interested in volunteering at The Ferret Inn, please email Fili at fili.telles@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

New arrival: Rob Roblin


Rob Roblin was found abandoned in an empty apartment. We cannot believe someone would leave behind this cuddly little guy. Despite coming from a neglected situation, Rob is sweet and has already become comfortable enough to dook and dance around the room.


We think he's around one and a half years old. And even though he looks healthy, he's a little thin. We're working on fattening him up to a healthy weight. We're surprised that his abandonment has left no damaging effects to his playfulness and overall appearance. We're excited to see him develop into an even more beautiful ferret!

To see more pictures of Rob Roblin, click here.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Ferret and human flu season

Did you know that your ferrets can get the same strains of influenza as humans? And even more likely is that they will catch it from you, not vice versa! So remember to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your ferret(s) during this flu season and to avoid close contact if you or your ferret are exhibiting flu symptoms.



For more information, Dr. McLeod, DVM, writes a good article about ferrets and flu.