Wednesday, December 31, 2008

December update

Adopted:
  • Three Black Jacks were adopted. One was by a volunteer. The ferret was the only one with a pink nose out of all the Black Jacks, so we named her Average White Girl (or Auggie). The other two were adopted by a person who's had ferrets before.
  • Rag Doll was adopted by a ferret-knowledgeable volunteer. She joins one other ferret and we're happy she ended up in a good home.

Arrival:
  • Isaac was surrendered by a person who found him as a stray. He's under a year old and already he's without a home.

  • Tim Tooten and Tom Tasselmyer, like Rob Roblin, are named after WBAL's news team members. Tim and Tom came to us from a shelter from DC. Tim is under a year and Tom is around two. We can't wait to see what their personalities are like.
Deaths:
  • Rummy, after our many attempts to treat his insulinoma, he was no longer responding to treatment. He leaves behind his bonded cagemate, Patches. We will always miss Rummy's round baby face.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Happy holidays from The Ferret Inn


We at The Ferret Inn thank you for your support, especially at this time of year.

Since the holiday season is here, we would like you to think about the animals that don't yet have homes. You can help The Ferret Inn by shopping through iGive, a program that donates a portion of your money to The Inn that you spend on online purchases. So far The Ferret Inn has received over a hundred dollars from your purchases.

Additionally, if you prefer to directly donate an item to the shelter that we could use, please visit our "wishlist" on Amazon.com.

You can also make a tax-deductible donation to The Ferret Inn right before the end of this year to help you on your tax returns for 2008. Due to the economy, ferret shelters in Maryland are at full capacity and we are no exception. We are currently providing shelter for more ferrets than we have ever had in the history of the Inn; therefore, our overall operating costs and vet bills are at an all-time high.

We thank you for your continuing financial support and hope you have a happy holiday season.

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.

Friday, October 31, 2008

October update

Adopted:
  • Dookie went to a home after a long time at the shelter. After his bilateral adrenal surgery, his two cagemates Fiona and Cheedle no longer recognized him and Dookie had to be separated from his group. We are delighted that this story has a happy ending after all.
  • One of the two male ferrets from the Black Jack 21 group was adopted by a loving ferret owner. Having never been in a home, the Black Jack boy will thrive in his new place.
  • Templeton and Wilbur, the two strays that were reunited at the shelter, have been adopted. They will be missed, but we are happy they finally found a home.
  • Cesar was adopted by me. He's since been renamed "Gummy Bear" and loves Opie, my other ferret.

Deaths:
  • Chloe underwent surgery on October 22 for adrenal disease and insulinoma. A hairball was found during the surgery and was removed. Unfortunately, she did not recover from surgery and passed away on October 24.
  • Flea #2 came from an animal shelter with a cage mate (Flea #3). They were both anemic because they were infested with fleas. Sadly, Flea #2 did not make it despite the efforts of our volunteers.
Arrivals:
  • Flea #3 has been at The Inn for a little over two weeks, and after being severely underweight and anemic, her weight has already doubled and she looks better every day. While at the vet, she received a life-saving blood transfusion from the Black Jack boy (who was adopted later).
  • Since their arrival, The Black Jack 21 have become more playful and comfortable in their new environment. We are always excited to see the different personalities developing among the sea of weasels. We placed the group in a tree-story Ferret Nation cage. And even though the levels are all connected, the entire group prefers to sleep on top of each other.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Spotlight on volunteers: Cortney


Cortney Baca has been with The Ferret Inn since the beginning of September 2008. She got married in June and moved from New Mexico in July. She's been coming Tuesdays and Thursdays and, other than scooping and fluffing, she's The Ferret Inn's "scribe."

How did you become interested in ferrets and The Ferret Inn?

My husband and I have always loved animals, and we're constantly looking for new ways to help and to bring new critters into our lives. When we first moved here, I needed a job and was searching online for a job where I could put my love for furry friends to good use. I saw your website and was touched by the work, but I was very busy then, so I put it in the back of my mind. A month or so later, we were at a pet store picking up food, litter, etc. and Antony was really into the ferrets. I suggested we learn more about taking care of them and went home to research online. I read loads of information, but I wanted something more concrete.Then it clicked! I remembered "the Ferret Inn" online, and thought what better way to learn more about them than to volunteer and care for them hands-on. The rest, as they say, is history!

Do you have any ferrets, or other pets?

We don't have any ferrets yet, we are still getting settled into our new life and think that ferret keeping is a big project better suited for our future goals. We do have 3 fishtanks with various aquatic friends and 3 rescue cats that have come into our lives. Midna, Ganon and Azrael.

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

I'd have to go with....kisses. No, maybe cucumber snack time. Well, maybe its big rowdy play sessions...No, probably Nancy's coffee. Well, lets just say I love everything about volunteering, but most of all I love the feeling of helping out the ones that can't help themselves.

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

Bad poop.

Do you have a favorite ferret?

I've got several favorites. Jumpin' Bean (from the Black Jack Crew), Luna, Buffy and Jody...those are probably my favorite friends.

How did you learn most of the ferrets' names in just under a month.

I can't remember human names for the life of me, but I've always had a knack for animal names. It might have something to do with the fact that I talk to them all day while I'm cleaning, using names over and over helps you to remember. I feel bad when animals don't have a name, so I like to be polite and use their names whenever I can. :)

You recently got a job. What is it that you do?

I'm teaching dance at a local studio. I've been dancing since I was 13, and am planning on going back to school to finish my dance degree. I love working with the kids and passing on my love of the arts to the next generation.

What's it like to be a newlywed while being away from the people and places you've known your entire life?

It's hard. I miss my friends and family, but we will be seeing them at Christmas. When we were in Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX, we were right on the border to Mexico, so one of the things I miss most is authentic Mexican food. We miss the desert some, but the change in scenery is most welcome. I love the trees and creeks, the pathways by our house are gorgeous. That is something you don't get back home. So far as being newlyweds on top of that, there are pros and cons. For the pros, we get to spend lots of time just the two of us, which we didn't back home, because we shared the same group of close-knit friends, so we were always in a big group. For the cons, we spent lots of time just the two of us, hahaha. We can bug each other quickly. We are enjoying settling into our new place and getting to know the area, though.


The Ferret Inn highly values its volunteers 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.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Special delivery: 21 ferrets!


We want to introduce you to a new “special collection” of ferrets available for immediate adoption! These 21 ferrets (19 jills and 2 hobbs) have come to us via a research facility. They are some of the most beautiful fitches and points, with little dark noses, luscious coats and lovely dispositions. Prior to their arrival they led a very sterile and unstimulated life. We are always amazed to see how eager they are for affection and are very engaging with our staff. The arrival of these special kids is an event here at the "Inn". Watching these ferrets running through tubes, pouncing on crinkle sacks, and popping in peanuts for the first time, is a real tear jerker! We are grateful that the folks at the research facility have chosen us to mainstream these ferrets into homes and allow them the life they so deserve.

The research done on these little ones has left no ill-effects. In fact, they have all been properly vetted with all shots and are ADV negative! A year of so ago we received a smaller group of ferrets from a research facility and we were able to place each of them into their forever homes in a very short time.

We will be hosting an “Open House” to the public to meet our special houseguests and all of the other beautiful charges that are currently residing at the "Inn".




This is what happened when they were let loose for the first time:



See the rest of the pictures here.


If you are interested in adopting one of these ferrets, please fill out an adoption application.

UPDATE: The Ferret Inn has received 5 more Black Jacks on February 3, 2009.


Monday, October 6, 2008

October is Hairball Awareness Month

I declare October to be Hairball Awareness Month (or "HAM"). With winter approaching, many ferrets are shedding their summer coats. And keeping the ferrets from getting hairballs during shedding season is vital to their well-being. Plucking or brushing the shedding ferrets, giving them lax, and washing their bedding are just some ways to reduce the likelihood of blockages.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Ferrets on acupuncture


Tiana Guinard, a certified animal acupuncturist, comes every week to treat ferrets with health issues. She makes sure to treat each ferret according to his or her illness. Today she treated Mary (among many), who enjoyed the extra attention and the food we "bribed" her with.



Tuesday, September 30, 2008

September update

Adopted:
  • Clyde was adopted by a knowledgeable ferret-owner. We're confident that Clyde couldn't be happier.
  • Maxy was adopted by a volunteer. He joins her three ferrets and hopefully is adjusting just fine.
  • Syd and Banshee are being fostered by a vet student who fosters and adopts. She is working on Banshee's biting and on socializing the pair.
  • Stan and Stella were adopted by a ferret-owner who had only one ferret with a three-story Ferret Nation cage. We're sure Stan and Stella will fill in the empty corners of the cage.
  • Soldier Boy was adopted by a boarder whose ferret bonded with Soldier. All the ferrets will miss biting Soldier's neck fur out, but I'm sure Soldier would feel much happier with a furry neck.
  • Cheddar was adopted by another volunteer. He joins her group of five, elevating her to "ferret lady" status.
Deaths:
  • Gracie, one of The Ferret Inn's tiniest residents, passed away on the 12th.
  • Isabelle leaves her long-time cagemate, Tico.

Arrivals:
  • Though Rag Doll has only been with us for less than a month, she's already looking much better.

  • Goku, Calypso, and Sasuke are three beautiful ferrets who are all under a year and huge. Sasuke is over three pounds!
  • Aries and Socrates are a very cuddly pair. Despite their previous meatless diet, they are stocky and have beautiful coats.
  • Bonnie, Clyde, and Isis arrived today. The first two are around a year, and Isis is probably a little over one.
Misc. updates:

Monday, September 29, 2008

RIP Isabelle



Isabelle, one of The Ferret Inn's newest residents, passed away on Saturday; leaving behind Tico, her cage mate of three years. Isabelle and Tico were a bonded pair; both of which were blind due to a poor diet lacking in taurine. Tico is recovering from a bi-lateral adreanal and insulinoma surgery, as well as having a tumor removed from his chest. Isabelle was sadly in renal failure and passed over the "Bridge " with Tico spooning her. She will be sorely missed...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

How to donate money to The Ferret Inn (without actually giving money)



One of our volunteers, Crystal, pointed us out to iGive.com; a website that donates money to a cause (such as The Ferret Inn) when you shop at stores that you regularly shop from online.

Here's how to do it:

1 . Go to iGive.com, find "The Ferret Inn" and then register with your name. The Ferret Inn now has its own url: www.igive.com/theferretinn.



2. After you register, you must shop by clicking the links on this page (by directories) or this page (alphabetically). (Example: If you want to buy something from Ferret.com, then go one of the previously mentioned links, and click on "Ferret.com".)



After clicking the link for your preferred site to shop, you should see a pop-up window congratulating your philanthropy.


Additionally, if you ever use Google or Yahoo! to search, use iGive's search engine instead, and The Ferret Inn gets $0.02 every time you search for something.

So far, The Ferret Inn has received $61.56 from people who raised it simply by shopping from places they normally would. So please, put your consumerism to good use and shop using iGive.


If any one has any questions, iGive has a frequently asked questions page that could help you. Or, you can ask me a question on the comments and I'd be glad to (attempt to) help.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Before and after: Miss Mary


Who would have guessed that Miss Mary (or as most of us all call her "Mawwy") would turn into such a beauty! She has been undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma for the past few months, but she has been thriving. She can often be seen giving kisses to everyone that picks her up; not forgetting to clean that spot in your ear that you "forgot" to clean. When she's not smooching, or looking around with her not-quite-there demeanor, she is sleeping in an acrobatic position in her hammy or her plastic bags.


Click here for more pictures of Mary.


Friday, September 12, 2008

Rest in peace Gracie

It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to Gracie. She spent the last hours of her life and let out her last breath while curled up in Nancy's shirt. Gracie was a tiny ferret battling kidney failure. Prior to receiving proper care at The Inn, she spend over a year caged in a vet's office; we are surprised that she had such a calm nature, taking into account where she came from. So I am thankful to Nancy for giving Gracie the medical attention she needed, the home she wanted, and the love she deserved.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Maxy Adopted!

One of our volunteers, Darlene, came and picked up dear Max on Tuesday evening. We know he will have a wonderful home with his new friends Coco, TJ, and Tony!
The other ferrets at The Inn will miss Max as he was a definite gentleman!
Good Luck Max!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Ferret Fandango of 2008

Yesterday, The Ferret Inn attended the Ferret Fandango on Gilbertsville PA. We showed Jezebel, our big dark-eyed white.






She took first place in the Albino/Dark-Eyed White category and we couldn't be prouder of her.

We also sold many of Lisa O's bedding; the proceeds from every hammie and sleepy sacks sold are donated 100% to The Ferret Inn.

Monday, September 1, 2008

August update (in September)

Adopted:
  • Buster was adopted by a family who boarded their ferrets at the Inn. We were not surprised to learn this cuddly little guy only stayed a few weeks at the shelter.
  • June Bug and Crayola were adopted by a family with ferret experience. We have no doubt that their energy will serve them well in a new home.
  • Rascal was adopted by one of our volunteers. We saw him again as a boarder and, even though he's always looked good, we could tell that he was looking even better.
  • Opie was adopted by yours truly. He is currently stepping on my keyboard as I attempt to type this. Even though I bought him a $200 cage, he still prefers the box that it came in:



Deaths:
  • Unfortunately, Maggie died of an intestinal blockage due to a hair ball. She leaves her four cage mates who will always miss the littlest one on the group.

Arrivals:
  • The new girl that came in last Thursday is now called Cotton.
  • Isabelle and Tico are two dark cinnamons who are having no trouble adjusting to their new environment. We're interested to see their personality develop.
  • Maxy was given up because his owner had to leave the country. He's a big beautiful boy who loves being picked up and held. He'll have no trouble finding a forever home.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Small animal rescues filling to capacity

TGIF! Here's a brief round up of pets or ferret-related stories from this week:

Thursday, August 28, 2008

New arrival: Cotton

This adorable fourteen-week-old girl just arrived this morning. She was given up because her cagemate was killed by the previous owner's family dog. And even though she's in a new environment, you could already see her playfulness and sweet nature. As of today, we don't know her name yet! Update: We've since named her "Cotton".

click images for larger size




Two more pictures here.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Pool-side work

Today was such a beautiful day that Nancy and I decided to work outside. And by work, I mean fill litter boxes with water and watch the ferrets play.

click images for larger size



Ashley wasn't a fan of the cold water.



She preferred to dig.


Sometimes they needed a little ... encouragement to get in.



Miss Fifi, who usually hates her cage, didn't look too happy.


Napster poses peacefully near the water ... before being dunked in.

Clyde's the only one that (voluntarily) jumped in the water.


Monday, August 25, 2008

Adoption day at bark!


This Saturday, The Ferret Inn was part of an adoption day at our local pet food store, bark! We inform the public why they would want to adopt ferrets (or any other animals) as opposed to buying from a pet store. We bring about half a dozen ferrets to play around in a play pen and most people can't resist them. My favorite part about doing it is seeing how many people are surprised to learn just how friendly the ferrets are. I've only done adoption day twice (and both times on Clarksville's BARK!) and it's wonderful to see how many pet owners adopted from shelters. I would say that the number one question they ask is, "would ferrets get along with my pets?"

We show the people that most of our ferrets are given up because the previous owners say they can't afford them, or they have no time for them, or they just don't want them anymore. In other words, we show them there is nothing wrong with the actual ferrets, only their situation with their previous owners.

While showing pet owners how fun ferrets can be, we also tell them the things they wouldn't hear at a pet store: how ferrets require high-quality food, regular vet check-ups, constant ferret-proofing, and occasional assistance on finding the litter boxes.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, please contact Bonnie (at bonnierussell@all2ez.net) or me (at fili.telles@gmail.com).

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Welcome to The Ferret Inn (blog)

My name is Fili and I am a volunteer at The Ferret Inn. My goal for this blog is to:
  • inform people who want to know what we're about
  • connect volunteers with one another and different events
I want to provide my tens of tens of readers with relevant news articles, ferret-related issues, and to talk about what makes the shelter great: the volunteers (and the ferrets, of course!).

Currently, I'm planning on:
  • getting to know individual volunteers better, maybe through a short Q&A?
  • showcasing a ferret of the month
  • providing information on upcoming events
  • giving updates on the shelter
  • giving updates on the ferrets' health, adoptions, etc
If any one wants to contribute to this blog in any way, please let me know! You can give me ideas on what to post about, post an entry, and/or become a regular poster.


Jezebel says, "Welcome to The Ferret Inn blog," while adding, "the camera adds 10 ounces."