Garage Gang Update!

Hello Friends of the Inn,

The good news is that Buddy has had his surgery last week , and is recovering nicely.
We wanted to wait for the biopsy report before we posted an update. Unfortunately, he does have lymphosarcoma.
We have decided to follow a treatment plan that has proven beneficial in two of our other ferrets at the "Inn" who had the same diagnosis.
This will be a long term protocol needing a CBC every two of weeks, and if his blood work looks good, he will receive the chemo drug Cytoxin. In addition he will need radiographs, b12 injections for support , etc.
We are hopeful that he will tolerate the treatments well.
The other 3 members of the Garage Gang are thriving and enjoying their new found freedom and enrichment provided by the rice boxes, ball boxes , miles of tubes and tunnels, and most of all, the peanuts!!!
We are grateful for those who have come forward to help with the Garage Gang's initial work-up.
However, we still need help with Buddy's surgery cost and treatment. His surgery was 330.00 including the biopsy and his monthly medical expenses will average to 150.00 on the conservative side. We are hoping to raise an addition $800.00, to cover surgery and 3 months of treatment for starters.
We have a great Owl themed four piece bedding set on our blog http://theferretinn.blogspot.com/ and face book.
What a great way to help out Buddy and have a chance at a cool bedding set!!

A Thursday update on the garage gang

The good news is that the ADV results are negative, and just as important.. They all love their soup!! We serve it up in the morn and eve in addition to their kibble, and it shows. They are all getting a bit rounder, and gaining nicely, however Buddy is trailing behind a bit.

Sadly, the cytology report confirmed the lump on Buddy's neck is Lymphoma. Ideally, since it seems that only one lymph node is affected, we would remove it. However, due to his heart murmur, we are treating with pred for two weeks, and will revisit our options at that time.

Sophia




















Sophia and Chubbs













Chubbs in the rice

















more Chubbs











Buddy playing in the rice















Buddy in the Balls

4 Ferrets in Need

I want to thank those who have stepped up to support these kids with your donations, it wouldn't be possible with out you.
Thanks so much

These are the before pictures



Buddy

Has a fascination with the cornstarch peanuts and chooses not only to play in them , but can be found snoozing in them as well.

The growth on his neck was aspirated and we are waiting for the cytology report.
Dr. Gold has hopes that it is just a blocked salivary gland. Lets hope!
His blood work also looked good , and glucose is 87, he got a deslorelin implant and will get a melatonin implant as well.
If the results of the cytology point to surgery, we will remove the chordoma as well next week.
Buddy does have a heart murmur , so will see how to
proceed.





Chubbs

Has settled in nicely as you can see, and has won us over with his laid back attitude.
None of these kids were held , much less cuddled, but Chubbs loves his new surroundings and lap time.

His blood work was normal as was his
Blood Glucose @ 109 !!
His obvious adreanal was treated with a deslorelin implant.
He will be getting a melatonin implant as well.




Jewel

Is just that, a precious tiny jewel.
She is smart and ever so curious. I have high hopes for this gal.
Jewel has suffered with adrenal for quite some time . Once the deslo and melatonin implant kick in ,I have hopes that she will feel like a brand new ferret, and will be able to fully enjoy the years she has left..

Her blood work also looked amazingly good and her glucose was 85.




Sophia

I named this beauty Sophia after Sophia Loren because of her stunning black eyes.

Unfortunately , as I suspected and Dr Gold confirmed , she is blind, and can only discern darkness and light.

Her blood work was unremarkable as well and her glucose is 78.
She also got the deslorelin implant, and is in line for a melatonin implant.

Dookie!

Here is our boy Dookie donning an adorable St. Patty's day ensemble at the Parade in Baltimore On March 12th. . Dookie is a therapy ferret with Pets on Wheels www.petsonwheels .org , and joined his other canine friends (Dookie doesnt know he's a ferret) and walked ,with a little help from Mom Melissa an impressive two miles along the parade route!.. He along with his other buddies with pets on wheels visit nursing homes, assisted living communities, veterans hospitals , programs for the homeless , and the list goes on.

Dookie continues to do well with Chemo and lots of love from his human and ferret family and many friends ...

Adoption updates

Congratulations for the following ferrets who were adopted in the last few days:

Marley and Peebles



Clyde and Isis



Jackie O




Flea and Punkin Pie




Dookers, Hank, Butterball, Solomon

5 things every ferret owner should know

1. Health issues. Ferrets make great pets. Unfortunately, they are prone to many potentially deadly health issues. About 80% of all ferrets will develop adrenal disease or insulinoma. Since ferrets who are over three-years-old are considered geriatric, owners should expect to have at least one surgery during that ferret's lifetime. Read more about these two illnesses (and others) on miamiferret.org.
2. Play time. People often associate ferrets with rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice because of their small stature and furry bodies. That's about the only things ferrets have in common with these other animals. Ferrets are not cage animals. They need to play around the house as a cat or dog would. They need constant stimulation, enrichment and interaction. Ferret owners should have large cages for their ferrets as a safety, since ferrets cannot be supervised around the clock. Read more about what games ferrets like to play.
3. Blockages and hairball prevention. Laxatives made for ferrets should be given about twice a week. Ferrets need lax to help prevent hairballs. Unlike cats, ferrets cannot throw up a hairball. Some ferrets are very fond of eating things they shouldn't eat, such as rubber, cotton, cloth, etc. All of those things can cause a potentially deadly blockage. Lax cannot remove all blockages; sometimes surgery is the best solution. Read more blockages here and here.
   
4. Carnivores. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they are strict meat-eaters. Anything with fruits, vegetables, or sugar should never be fed to ferrets. A diet free of sugars and low in carbohydrates may help prevent insulinoma. If you are unsure what to feed your ferret, check out this handy food chart.
5. Ferret-knowledgeable vets. One of the most important things you can do to your ferret is finding a ferret-knowledgeable vet. Please note that just because a vet says s/he treats ferrets, it does not mean that the vet is qualified. Make sure to ask a potential ferret vet these important questions. To find a ferret vet close to you, click here.
   

Spotlight on volunteer: Crystal

Crystal Hughes is Officer of Public Outreach. She organizes adoptions day, which helps ferrets find homes with responsible owners. She's been with the Inn for three years and has recently adopted a ferret, Nina.

You organize events, such as adoption days. What does a regular adoption day consist of? Ferrets are still pretty uncommon to a lot of people. We get a lot of questions like "How long does a ferret live? What do they eat? Are they litter box trained? Don't they bite?" Kids love to hold the ferrets and watch them run through the tubes. We usually have a crowd at adoption events!



Why did you decide to volunteer at a ferret shelter? I've always loved ferrets and wanted to help educate the public about them and find forever homes for them.

What's the most satisfying aspect of volunteering? Knowing that I'm helping to give a ferret a chance at a happy life.

What is it about ferrets that you love? They're silly and playful and mischievous. How can you not crack up when a ferret does the weasel war dance? Or steals objects five times their size? Each ferret has their own personality and "quirks". Ferrets really know how to make the most of life.

How did you get into owning ferrets in the first place? An old friend of mine adopted a couple of ferrets from a shelter. They were so much fun that I decided to adopt two myself. That quickly went from two ferrets to six ferrets!

You recently adopted Nina from the shelter. How did you come to adopt her? Nina came from a pretty bad situation. She was living on a diet of bologna, Cheerios, and dried banana crisps -- that is, when the owner remembered to feed her. Her water bottle was empty and her litter box was overflowing. When Nancy got her, she was dehydrated and wouldn't eat gruel or kibble on her own. I agreed to foster her to make sure she was eating enough and so that she wouldn't have to deal with the stress of the shelter. It wasn't long before I fell in love and adopted her.

What is the most important thing that people who want to adopt should know about ferrets? Ferrets aren't cage animals like gerbils and hamsters. They need mental stimulation and interaction with their humans on a daily basis.

Spotlight on a Special Volunteer

I submitted this essay to the American Humane Association in hopes of awarding a $1000.00 prize to Melissa, for all the wonderful work she has done for ferrets over the years. She will always be a winner in my book. Please read on...

Melissa poses with two ferrets "Mothership" and "Lula"

Melissa Williams is like no other young woman I know and probably not like anyone you are likely to meet. To name a single selfless act or event for the benefit or welfare of animals would not begin to describe the contributions that Melissa has made, nor would it demonstrate the kind of devotion, dedication, and perseverance that defines what a remarkable individual she is. At 14 years of age Melissa adopted her first ferret from The Ferret Inn and began volunteering. Most impressive was the determination she showed as she struggled to make arrangements to secure transportation to and from the shelter every Saturday – a round trip of more than 60 miles! She has adopted nine more ferrets, fostered an additional five ferrets, and comforted a few as they have “crossed over the Bridge”.

She has accompanied and assisted me in dozens of vet appointments. Her mature and inquisitive presence made it easy for the vet to allow her to observe a variety of surgical procedures performed on own her pet ferrets as well as on those that she has rescued and cared for. Melissa quickly became familiar with the procedures and protocols in the shelter and every name and case history of more than forty resident ferrets. She learned to perform triage on incoming animals and to provide a range of critical care tasks from syringe feeding to administering medications including sub-cutaneous fluids with confidence, accuracy, and absolute reliability.

Melissa was my first choice to be in charge for a week while I attended a seminar in Canada. Although only fifteen years old at the time she stayed at the shelter and performed the duties of shelter director, was directly responsible for all the shelter operations, and oversaw a crew of 4 to 6 others including adults. Her performance far exceeded anyone’s expectations but was par for the course for Melissa.

At seventeen Melissa trains new volunteers, attends ferret education seminars and adoptions days, helps in screening applicants for adoption, and performs pre-adoption home visits. Through education she helps to ensure that ferrets adopted from The Ferret Inn have the best chance of a successful match with loving and responsible owners. In addition to everything she does at the shelter she is an honor student, a softball coach, and a text message away when my memory fails me. She is a mentor, a role model, an example, a leader, and a friend. She is at the very least a unique and very special young woman.
Sincerely,
Nancy Wilson, Director

Before and after: Tim Tooten and Tom Tasselmyer

Tim Tooten and Tom Tasselmyer are a bonded pair who were surrendered to a local shelter. We fell in love with them and named them after WBAL's news reporters. Poor Tom was severly underweight when he arrived: 1 pound 8 ounces. Since then, he's managed to gain a whole pound.

Both ferrets make great companions. Tom is the more cuddly one while Tim is more energetic. Both are doing well at The Inn but would love to find a forever home.

Volunteers at The Ferret Inn

Volunteers hold some precious cargo, after a hard days cleaning of the shelter. There are many volunteer opportunities at The Ferret Inn. For more information, please click here.

Sad Tidings.... Diesel

Diesel, the elder and mascot at the Ferret Inn, has crossed over the bridge. He came to us in Jan 2006 at 6 years old, sick and with only a few sprouts of white hair and that distinctive black nose. Diesel had two adrenal/insulinoma surgeries while here at the Inn, which left him with a stunning white coat and a new lease on life. In his younger days, he was our ambassador and would frequent outings and ferret education days with us. He had since retired and had found our carpeted bed room to be most comfortable, at which he had time and time again left his mark on as most seniors do.
Up till his passing he received regular acupuncture treatments to keep him comfortable and well balanced.
Diesel was a favorite with all who treated him, the visitors and the volunteers. Until we meet again my Diese…

Click here to see more pictures of Diesel.

New arrival: more Black Jacks!

Five new fitches were delivered today from the same research facility that brought us the 21 Black Jacks! When it come to good fortune, The Ferret Inn has been privileged to receive these newcomers.



Twelve Black Jacks remain from the original group of 21. The 5 newcomers have already taken a liking to their friends with very familiar faces. And even though they have been provided with some enrichment, they have had limited human interaction. So we are always amazed at what wonderful companions these girls make.

January update

Adopted:

• Tico was adopted by two new ferret owners. We thought Tico's disposition would be great for first-time owners.

• Three Black Jacks were adopted. The first two were adopted by first-time owners. The other one was the last boy; he joins Auggy, who was adopted last month.
  
• Aries and Socrates join a group of ferrets. This pair made a wonderful addition to the pack of ferrets.
  
• Smokey and Ashley were adopted after spending a few months at the shelter. They are very sweet and we're happy they found a home.
  
• Rob Roblin goes to a home joining the owners' single ferret.
  

Deaths:

• Lyla, one of the Black Jacks, had to be put to sleep because of her lymphoma and enlarged spleen. She will be missed by her life-long cagemates.
  
• Herb also had to be put to sleep. He had a history of liver problems and insulinoma. He leaves his cagemate Peaches.

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.

• Girl Next Door were adopted by a volunteer who had adopted Stan and Stella.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
  

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.