Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Rescuing Ferrets
I had no idea how many ferrets needed rescuing.
"If you're surprised to learn that ferrets need rescuing, consider this: There are 1.9 million ferrets in the United States, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. And though the number is tiny compared to the 74.8 million dogs and 90 million cats kept as pets, ferrets face many of the challenges of their more popular brethren without the high profile.
More ferrets are abandoned, neglected and given up every year. Terri Noren, who started Little Dudes Ferret Ranch in North Bend in 2004, took in 30 ferrets that first year and more than 80 two years later. "We expect that if pet stores continue to sell ferrets, it won't be long before they are euthanized just like dogs and cats," says Noren, who currently focuses on hospice care for geriatric and terminally ill ferrets. "Right now, many shelters are overwhelmed."
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7 comments:
Dogs and cats are what most people think of when they think of pets needing homes, but there are so many other pets- ferrets, rabbits, parrots- that people purchase and then decide they require more time and care then they want to give.
To help bring attention to the number of ferret needing homes and the ferret shelters that care for them, April of this year will be Adopt A Ferret Month. This will be the first year, but is something we hope grows every year.
Thank you, Dawn. This is wonderful having April as Adopt A Ferret Month. I hope you'll come back & post a reminder so I can post about it.
I apologize, Jane, I mistekenly placed my comment about ferrets under the article of "Pet Food Challenge." Unfortunately, I don't know how to delete it.
I wanted to say this about the ferret article:
Ferrets become status symbols for many people who think they are cute. Unfortunately, when the ferret acts like a ferret, the owner then decides to get rid of it. People ought to think carefully prior to obtaining any pet. Ferrets especially can be conversation pieces. Unfortunately, when the owner tires of their energy & needs, that is when the conversation turns to getting rid of the ferret. Very sad.
Thanks wolfie. I actually answered your post over there.
My sister had ferrets once and they are adorable. I loved them.
It's really sad the number of ferrets that are in shelters. People don't realize that ferrets require a lot of time and human interaction. A ferret need a "forever home".
They are not caged animals, "you cage them for their protection". I personally don't cage mine. Ferret-proofing is essential, whether you cage them or not.
Anyone wanting a ferret, research and read anything about ferret care.
It would be great if you wrote another post to help bring attention to ferrets in shelters.
Adopt A Ferret Month begin today and we have 39 ferret shelters participating. We will be featuring different shelters through out the month on our website so that you can meet the people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference to this little guys. It really takes a special person to work in pet rescue.
Thanks for the reminder. I'll blog it tomorrow. It's very important.
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