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Another Ferret Story
File this under the "I'm not perfect" category right next to leaving out Dr Gandolfi from last week's CLIFFNotes, but I noticed this entry for the essay contest too late. I think it came in on time, but I had a bunch of emails that just appeared. Karissa said she enjoyed writing the story, the least I can do is share it.
Everyone experiences having a pet, some even to the extent of holding the definition of ‘man's best friend.’ Imagine you just moved to a new area, it’s a beautiful day and you couldn’t resist taking a walk through the park with your fuzzy friend by your side. Suddenly, you feel a tug at their leash and your friend is being confiscated because you are posing a threat to the law and environment.
You are torn and confused; your friend’s life is now at risk. He is now the next victim on the Fish and Games list, they found him and not only do you bear with the thought of not seeing him again, but you also have a pricey fine to pay. Sadly this story is a common, risky situation people tend to find themselves in while owning a ferret in California.
My ferret Scout is my best friend; he enjoys walks in the park and rolls over for belly rubs while a new stranger cannot resist greeting him. I currently reside in Texas, one of 48 states where ferrets are legalized animals. I planned to move to California and then began to find out about the risks of taking Scout with me. I would have to be careful about who would know I own a pet ferret because that next knock on my door could be a game warden and Scout's life would be at risk. While driving through the state border I would keep my fingers crossed, hoping Scout would not be found in the car and taken from me. I cannot imagine starting my new life without him. Scout enjoys the outdoors and each time he becomes full of excitement as he gets the chance to hop in the grass. Ferrets are sensitive to heat, but on a cool day in California he would miss out on a walk in the park and the extra attention he strives to get from an unfamiliar face.
Ferrets are intelligent, loving animals that should earn the same rights as other household pets. They are not the simplest pet you can find, but they just need a dedicated owner with knowledge of their care and needs.
Ferrets should be legalized because they are not threatening beings, they are loving animals and strive to cuddle in your arms and also enjoy a game of chase from time to time. Ferrets commonly come with their shots for rabies, canine distemper and are often neutered before being purchased so they would not be able to populate. A domesticated ferret does not pose a threat on the environment because they have little chance of surviving in the wild due to dehydration, starvation or being threatened by the high temperatures.
My ferret Scout is part of my family, he is my best friend and I would not want to put him through the risks California laws pursue. My ferret has been the most interesting pet I have ever had, his personality shines brighter than any I have known. Why keep that feeling from someone who has found it? Why punish best friends in California while the rest of the United States isn’t against the two of you?
Who would have thought the first day you and your best friend were walking in the park would have been the last day the two of you would spend together. You feel a loss of personal freedom and you are now separated for life; you fought for them but had no control in the situation. The pain you experienced is what keeps us ferret owners fighting for what we believe in. We will continue to stand by our close fuzzy family members and the rights they deserve. My ferret and I share many memories full of laughter that will last a lifetime. I will fight for those who were dismayed and those who have experienced the pain of their close friend being taken from their hearts.
Karissa H.
In response to the guy who wrote in about ferret legalization causing too many shelter fuzzies: (from last week's CLIFFNotes)
Unrestricted ferret ownership/sales are not a good idea anywhere, and most people that fight for legalization realize this could be a negative consequence. We love ferrets, and don't want to see tons of them in pet stores, being bought and dumped willy-nilly by people that know nothing about them. Over filled ferret shelters, abused fuzzies, ignorant owners- these are our greatest fears as well.
Thankfully, this does not have to be a deal breaker- we have the opportunity to create solid rules that would keep overpopulation in check. Requiring wanna be owners to take a short class, have yearly licenses/permits (with the fees going partially to education and shelter funding), allowing only a very limited number of reputable sellers (ie- not every pet store, no back yard breeders) and vigorously enforcing spay and neuter prior to purchase, all can help make legalization a positive force for ferrets in CA. The state has every reason to back regulations, if they can be funded with licensing/permits/etc.
There is a happy medium between no ferrets and no rules for ferrets, and it is vital that those fighting for legalization find it, and make sure it happens. If we don't we will look back on this as a huge missed opportunity to do the right thing for our favorite animals.
Stacey W.
Note from Pat - This story has been making the rounds about San Francisco banning pets. Its not just ferrets that some people wish to outlaw.
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We Forgot To List A Prominent Speaker For Sept 25th!
My sincerest apologies to Dr. Rene Gandolfi for omitting his talk from the cover of last week's CLIFFNotes. After he alerted me to the error I posted a correction on Joe Ferret's Facebook page. Based on the feedback, his talk is eagerly anticipated:
5 PM Dr Rene Gandolfi – Things You Probably Don’t Know About Ferret Health
 For specifics. There appears to be a couple of ways to prevent the development of adrenal disease in ferrets that don't as yet have the disease. Considering that over 50% of ferrets will develop AD in their lifetime, prevention has enormous value. In addition, it seems possible that with drugs like Lupron and Deslorelin, many AD cases can be managed medically, thus avoiding the cost and troubles associated with adrenal surgery. In addition, I have some "hot" news about a vaccine that is being developed to prevent AD.
In the case of Distemper vaccination, two studies (not published yet) have evidence that as much as 90% of ferrets that have been properly vaccinated against distemper may not need boosters yearly, and may even be protected for the rest of their lives. Considering how terrible vaccine reactions are, this information might have serious impact on our vaccination strategies.
We Have a Winner in Our Essay Contest
Congratulation to Linda P. of Simi Valley for her winning entry. We need it for the calendar and our upcoming media kit to be sent to political candidates and editorial boards. Here is Linda's winning entry:
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While my husband and I have had several ferrets, this is Ally’s story.
 One afternoon nearly eight years ago, my husband - who is a supervisor for
The Los Angeles Department of Sanitation - called me at work. A driver had directed him to a dumpster in an alley. From inside the dumpster, my husband pulled out a small, abandoned ferret. After explaining the circumstances, my husband asked me if I wanted it. I said yes, without a doubt. My husband knew that I’d always wanted a ferret. We named her Ally, because she came to us from that alley.
I didn’t think twice about keeping Ally, despite the illegal status of pet ferrets in California. My primary concern remained the health and safety of this abandoned creature. At that time, I knew nothing about ferret care. The decision to bring Ally home was easy. The next step was more risky. I decided to call my vet for an appointment. I didn’t know if ferrets carried diseases, and I didn’t know if Ally needed medical intervention. I was petrified the Vet would arrest me for possessing a ferret, in violation of California state law.
Luckily, my vet told me Ally was a seven-week-old healthy little female. Surprisingly, my Vet told me that it was not illegal for Vets to treat ferrets in California I was both relieved and confused by California’s illogical ferret laws. The climate of illegality only contributes to fear and ignorance. Given that there are ferrets in California, Californians need more available and accurate information.
Ms. Ally became the love of our lives, and she taught us much. Soon after she arrived, I sat on the floor with her to play. She started to do the Ferret War Dance. I freaked out, and called the Vet; I thought she was having a seizure. Then I learned this is what ferrets do when they’re happy. In addition to dancing, Ally loved to be held, carried and petted. She also loved to play on our bed and hide under the covers. Her cage door was soon left open all the time, and she had the run of our computer room. We just couldn’t keep her locked up. She was so very sweet. How could someone just throw her away? The tension caused by California laws perhaps contributed to Ally’s abandonment.
We are very secretive about our ferrets – very careful when guests or repair people come to our home. We recently had some re-modeling done, and we had to be mindful that no one saw our furry pets. Someone had to be home at all times to ensure the ferrets were not discovered by strangers. What unnecessary stress! And what a shame we cannot share their loving and funny ways more openly. The fact that our ferrets are illegal causes strain in the back of our minds. What if we were “found out?” We know that our pets could be taken away from our loving home. According to the law, we are technically “criminals.”
Throughout the years, we have had other ferrets. Unfortunately, some succumbed to Adrenal Disease, and passed away. Our angel, Ally, died from Adrenal Disease too. With a more open legal climate, more research could be done to understand, prevent and cure Ferret Adrenal Disease.
It is also interesting to note that since finding Ally, I have spoken with many people who own ferrets in California: in the pet store, the vet office and at work. Ferrets are definitely already here in California. They are safe and loving pets. Ferrets are happy little creatures. They are also vulnerable. If they get outside, they could become food for hawks and other predators. They deserve our protection. I would be more than willing to pay a license fee, as would other ferret owners.
And ferret owners deserve the freedom to keep and care for their ferrets in the open, without fear of persecution. We are not law breakers, just open-hearted ferret-lovers. Ally taught us much about ferrets. Her tale confirms how absurd and unjust California’s anti-ferret laws are. |
A very big thank you to Marshall Pets for donating the prize -a Ferret Estate
12 Tips for Ferret Owners - We Still Need Help
Above - a glimpse of some of the photos that are going to make it in our calendar. That center ferret has to be the most photogenic ferret ever.
This hasn't been as easy as one would think but below is the first draft of the 12 tips to be used on our 2011 Legalize Ferrets Calendar. Please let me know if you have any changes, corrections or ??
- Ferrets are expensive pets in terms of veterinary bills. Expect the unexpected – as in unexpected health care costs. Many ferret owners advise setting up a savings account and having a certain money on hand for each ferret so your ferret can get the medical attention they need, when they need it.
- A proper cage makes ferret care much easier. Ferrets like to have a place where they can feel safe. Over the past 15 years a number of excellent ferret cages have come on the market. Ferrets are intelligent animals and can’t be in a cage all the time. They require at least three hours of play time a day, preferably broken up in the morning and evenings.
- Your ferrets will enjoy life more if they have the proper toys. Tunnels, even plastic bags, anything to explore will improve your ferret’s mental health and happiness.
- It is extremely important that every room where a ferret lives or visits is ferret proof. By this we mean the ferrets can’t harm themselves or get out by their natural exploring. Reclining chairs, dishwashers, washers and dryers are potential dangers to ferrets.
Ferrets are known to eat foam rubber and other items which will lodge in their intestines and cause a blockage.
- Ear mites are common in ferrets. Even baby ferrets freshly arrived from the pet store can bring in these pests. If you see your ferret continually scratching at his or her ears – your ferret probably has ear mites. If one ferret has ear mites, they all have them.
There are two thoughts about how to treat ear mites. Your vet will recommend products like Revolutions or Ivermectin. Expect to pay more than $100 per ferret and it requires two trips to the vets as these products don’t kill the eggs.
- Many people keep their ferret’s ears clean with a commercial cleaner such as Marshall Ferret Ear Cleaner. In addition there are several over the counter ear mite killing solutions for kittens and cats that will work for ferrets.
- Ferrets need to have their nails trimmed regularly. One method is to put the ferret on their back and put Ferretone on their bellies and clip the nails while your ferret is enjoying the treat.
- Giving your ferret a hairball remedy like Laxatone a few times a week can help prevent stomach and intestinal blockages.
- It is very important to have your ferret examined on an annual basis. The importance increases with age. The majority of ferret diseases are treatable when detected early.
- When the temperatures get higher, ferrets are susceptible to heatstroke. Provide fans in the room or put frozen bottles of water in their cage so they can keep cool.
- Ferrets will potty often, especially when they first wake up so be sure to have corner litter boxes available since they like to back up to corners.If your ferret is using a place in their cage you do not wish them, place a piece of bedding or other non-toilet item in that location.
- Feeding your ferret a proper diet is extremely important. Ferrets are strict carnivores and should be fed a high protein (at least 34%), high fat (at least 20%) high quality chicken or lamb based dry ferret diet. Chicken or lamb should be listed in some form (poultry, lamb or poultry meal) as the first ingredient. You should also look for food that is naturally preserved with vitamin E and has no artificial colors. Don't feed your ferret anything that is non-meat, as they can't digest it well and don't get real nutritional value out of non-meat things.
- If you take your ferret outside, always use a harness and leash. Ferrets are very fast and can get away from you quickly and more than likely will not come back when called. Know your ferrets personality and habits, sleeping, play style etc. so you will know when something may be wrong. Checking them over- fur, teeth, nails, ears etc. is a great way to prevent something from getting worse.
- When pet stores tell you your new ferret has had all his or her shots - they mean for a baby. Ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper at at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age, which means you will need to schedule two more vaccinations. Canine distemper is 100% fatal.
We're One Tip Short! Please send in your corrections by July 17th so we can finish it up. Next week we'll finish the 12 personal stories and get this calendar done!
In Conclusion
I have dreams of wrapping up the ferret legalization effort.
I think and hope that everything is coming together. We are anxiously waiting for the last report from Sacramento State University before we can file the Environmental Impact Report. With that, we will have jumped through the last hoop DFG and California has put in front of us - but do they have any other silly requirements?
We have plans to really be involved in November's elections. It appears we will have to go through the legislature - find a sponsor, get a bill, etc. With the EIR and our increased numbers, we should be able to do it. Last election we were completely ignored. This year we've paid our dues.
Jerry Brown makes me nervous. He touts his environmental credentials, people with the Sierra Club and other such organizations. Those people are dead set against ferrets. They have the pet ban mentality mentioned in the AP news article sited elsewhere in this newsletter.
Meg Whitman, the billionaire who spent over $90 a vote in the Republican primary is also not likely a friend of the "little guy" - we will make it on her radar screen either? California politics is about big money and special interest.
If neither Brown or Whitman acknowledge us in a meaningful way - and I don't mean like Schwarzenegger did when he ran for Governor - expect a write in campaign for Joe Ferret. We will announce it at the September 25th Legalize Ferrets Revival.
We are waiting for the last EIR Report and a list of candidates from the California Secretary of State's office before we send out a media kit asking candidates to commit to support us. I'm still gathering a list of editorial boards to mail out the request. Interesting, I sent an email to the Los Angeles Times editorial board asking where to submit a request - and typical, it was ignored. We have our work cut out for us. We will list each candidate and editorial board we send our request to and their response - or lack or response.
Funds make me nervous. People reading this have been very generous in the past when I say there is a need. There will be a need shortly for the last quarter of the EIR and to get 300 media kits produced and in the mail. Our economy isn't helping either.
In short, I feel a mix of hope and fear. As the old axiom (actually it is an old Chinese curse) says "may you live in interesting times" I think that describes this Fall. So hang on, please support us as the pedal hits the medal - we're moving forward!
Pat Wright
Two ferrets need a home in Los Angeles County. Links below:
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