June Meeting Topic

Traveling With or Without Ferrets

There are many options available to ferret owners when it comes to vacation time. Does the ferret get to accompany the family and work on it's suntan? Or does the ferret get to stay home and watch over the house while you are gone?

It's safe to say which the ferret is going to vote for, but unfortunately due to health of the ferret, amount of ferrets, airlines that will not allow ferrets on board, and other circumstances often beyond the owner's control, ferrets cannot always go on vacation with us.

Home Alone?

But don't despair, there are many options available to make the ferret feel at home and make it forget it was abandoned (Romeo typed that).

Some of the options available are: Professional Pet Sitters, House Sitters, Vet Boarding, Shelter Boarding, and Family & Friends network of ferret care.

Professional Pet Sitters are individuals (or groups) that come to your house to take care of your ferrets (and other animals, if applicable). Their fees vary from sitter to sitter as does there experience with ferrets. Most Sitters have a limited area that they service, so check with them to make sure you are in their service area. It is also a good idea to check with a sitter to make sure that they are bonded and get a list of references. Be sure to check the references!

There are several ways of locating a Pet Sitter, such as: referral from another, the yellow pages, or the internet. The Veternet site was mentioned as a good site to locate pet sitters (www.veternet.com). All Sitters listed on Veternet are either a Member of Pet Sitters International, or a Member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Some of the advantages of a Pet Sitter are; reduced stress for the ferret by remaining in its normal environ-ment, minimal exposure for ferret to illnesses of other animals, less stress for the owner by not having to carry the animal/s while traveling, (in most cases) the Pet Sitter will also water your plants (if you're lucky enough to have any that the ferrets haven't dug up), and the peace of mind knowing that someone is also looking after the house while you are gone.

Housesitters are similar to the Pet Sitters, except for the fact that some will live in your house for the time that you will be gone. Again fees are different from Sitter to Sitter. It is also a good idea to check references and to make sure the Housesitter is bonded as well.

Housesitters can be located in the same manner that Pet Sitters can, and many of the advantages of Pet Sitters carries over onto Housesitters.

An additional advantage of a Housesitter is that the ferrets have a human companion in the house, most hours of the day, similar to if their owners were home.

Vet Boarding is available through some vets in the area. Fees for this service vary from vet to vet.

Vet Boarding wasn't recommended for most ferret owners due to the high exposure to illnesses from ferrets and other animals, limited play times, and small cages that the ferrets would be housed in.

However, if you have a sick or elderly ferret, Vet Boarding might be the best way for you to have peace of mind while you are gone. The sickly ferret is in the best hands at this point, medicines can be administered, as well as having the health of the ferret monitored by professional veterinary staff members.

Shelter Boarding is similar to Vet Boarding, except that the ferrets are in a "ferret environment." The cages

are designed for ferrets. There are designated play times, as well as human interaction. The operator of a shelter also has experience with ferrets, healthy and sick. It runs the same risks of exposure to illnesses as the Vet Boarding does.

Friends & Family, ah where would we be if we didn't have someone to call on for a "ferret sleepover?"

Most of FLC members seem to rely on Friends & Family for Sitting and Boarding. Unlike Professional Sitters and Boarder, most Friends & Family don't charge for sitting (at least not monetarily). They tend to have the same perks as Sitters and Boarder (without the illness exposure). Unfortunately, most were fairly ferret illiterate and unskilled in emergency situations.

But there are things the ferret owner can do to help the Professional Sitter, Professional Boarder, and Friends & Family take better care of your ferret:

• Information on your vet: location, times open, phone numbers including emergency ones if applicable.
• Phone numbers of other ferret lovers in case vet cannot be reached; or an emergency clinic.
• If there are previous health problems, a history of the animal including what to watch for.
• Plenty of food and medication, if applicable. Be sure to demonstrate how to apply the medication and how the feeding is normally done.
• Emergency numbers where you can be reached.
• Notify your vet that someone else will be taking care of your ferret by a letter. Also give a copy of the letter to the individual who will be taking care of the ferret for verification. (See Home Alone checklist.)

Home Alone Checklist

Did I leave the sitter....

______ my keys?

______ vet information?

______ location

______ office hours

______ phone numbers

______ office emergency number

______ other ferret people numbers?

______ numbers where I can be contacted in an emergency?

______ plenty of food?

______ medication?

______ list of ferrets, describing each one (with pictures preferred)?

______ list of hiding places?

______ any other instructions regarding any special needs ferret?

______ other instructions?

______ copy of letter to vet?

Did I leave the vet....

______ letter stating who would be taking care of my ferret?

______ an agreement on how fees would be handled in an emergency situation?

Pet Sitters

**Note: These Sitters are NOT associated with FLC and FLC does not accept any responsibility for the actions of the Sitters, nor does FLC have any association with policies of individual Pet Sitters. This list is provided as a reference service to the members of FLC, due the number of requests asking about sitters that will sit ferrets. Please call the appropriate Sitter in your area regarding prices and experience.**

Please Contact Individual Sitters for Specific Areas Serviced.

Allen, Plano Area			Carrollton, Frisco, N. Dallas
Happy Days Pet Sitting	972-727-2500		No Place Like Home PS	972-394-7968
Jones Pet Sitters	972-727-5252		Pets R People*	972-245-0606
Personal Pet & Home Care	972-747-8118		Cuddle & Shuttle PS*	972-758-0148
Dallas			Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, & Rockwall
Kingdom Keepers	214-352-3555		Critter Sitters*	972-487-7985
Park Cities Pet Sitter	214-828-0192		Lake Ray Hubbard PS	972-226-0970
Your Professional PS*	214-520-6477
Fort Worth			Irving
Blue Pond Bird-Dog & Cat-Fish PS	817-263-7776		Pet Sitting by Susan*	972-304-8718
Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas			Arlington, Grand Prairie, mid-cities area, and Shelter Boarding
Pet Products and Care Inc.	972-724-0758		Kozy Kingdom Ferret Rescue & Halfway House*	972-724-0758
*Has experience in Ferret Sitting

On the Road Again...

"There's nothing quite like the wind in your face, your ears pushed back snugly against your face as your fur flutters around your face." That's how Romeo describes the air conditioner in the car.

Most of us have had to do some traveling with our ferrets at one time or another. Some of FLC members flew with their ferrets, but most preferred to drive.

Most airlines proved not Ferret Friendly. American Airlines no longer allows ferrets on board. Southwest has a similar policy that extends to all pets-except the assistance animals. It also appeared that many of the smaller airlines also had a policy of no animals on board.

If you plan on traveling by plane, contact the airlines as soon in advance as possible (some carriers have a one pet in the cabin limit) and reserve a seat for your ferret. Most charge extra for the pet. Make sure that your carrier is airline approved.

But for the rest of us who travel by car, there are things we can do to make the trip easier on us and our ferrets.

The most important thing is the carrier. It is not recommended to allow your ferret free range in an automobile. Many automobiles have tiny, hidden holes that are just right for ferrets to fit in. Unfortunately, they may end on the engine, opening to the outside of the automobile, or inside the vent system of the car. Another hazard of allowing the ferret free range in the car, is the "ferret under foot." While this might be manageable at home, it is undesirable in a moving automobile. Not only could the ferret get seriously hurt under a pedal, but it could result in a wreck as well.

Food and water are next in importance for the ferret (as well as the owner). There are a couple of different trains of thought on these. One is that food and water are only available at rest stops (making rest stops more frequent, which could help wake the sleepy driver).

The other is to allow free access to food and water throughout the trip. Similar to the conditions of most ferret's cages at home. The main complaint on this was the spillage of food and water inside the carrier. One proposed solution to spilled water was a frozen 2 liter bottle of water. It served a dual purpose of keeping the carrier cool, as well as some lickable water from the condensation on the bottle as the ice melted.

Another item that you should never leave home without was a "Clean Bill of Health" on the ferret. This was recommended for trips out of state and even possibly out of county. Most "Clean Bills of Health" are not recognized if they are more than ten days older than the beginning of your trip, therefore it is recommended that you get the "Bill of Health" as late as possible before the trip.

A "Clean Bill of Health" allows an animal to travel, relatively safely across state and county lines. This might not help if the ferret crosses into a ferret free zone, but it will keep an animal from being confiscated if crossing into a "quarantine" zone.

Leashes and harnesses are important if you intend to let the ferret out at the rest stop, as well as at the final destination. They are always recommended in any areas that are unable to be ferret proofed.

On The Road Checklist

Did I pack....

______ carrier?

______ vet information?

______ health papers, including vaccination records

______ clean bill of health

______ list of vets along route

______ office emergency number

______ leashes and harnesses?

______ numbers of family to be contacted in an emergency?

______ plenty of food (more than needed)?

______ medication?

______ water?

______ thermometer for carrier?

Did I check my hotel room....

______ for any items that might be dangerous?

______ to see if it is ferret-proofed?

______ to make sure pets are allowed?

Home Sweet Home

Eventually we all end up home again, usually a bit exhausted and needing to go back to work to recover from our vacation.

Fortunately with the proper preparations taken before we go on vacation, we can assure a comfortable return trip home with some undoubtedly happy ferrets.

No You Can't Go without me!!!!!!

(Romeo served as Editor)

CLUB ISSUES

DFW-Ferret Meltdown

"David Finster" <finster@connect.net>
Online Mailing List Coordinator

The dfw-ferret list suffered some damage from the recent "spiral-of-death" we experienced with looping mail. I got over 800 messages before we pulled the plug. In the process of pulling the plug, some subscriber information was lost. If you are subscribed to the normal list, no problem, that information is ok. If you were subscribed to the digest list, then your subscription information was lost, and you will need to re-subscribe. I did not automatically add you back to the list, because much of the subscription information has changed since the last database that was salvageable.

The problem: A remote server sent error messages to the list rather than the list-owner (me). Normally, those error messages go to me, and I deal with them. I typically get 2 or 3 "Mailbox full" messages a day from the list. In this case, the remote server replied to the list, creating a loop.

The solution: We have restricted the DFW-Ferret list to only allow messages from subscribers. Messages posted to the list from non-subscribers will be rejected. Remote mail servers are not subscribers, so those messages will be rejected, not bounced back to the list. This will also prevent most spam messages.

The downside: If you are not posting a message from the exact same address that you subscribed from, your message will also be rejected.

Sorry for the trouble, we should be back in business.

Club Members Interviewed In City & Country Pets

In the July 1998 issue of City and Country Pets, Matthew Stevens and Debra Thomason were interviewed regarding some of the legal issues we as ferret owners have to face on a day to day basis.

Also discussed were the benefits of the new state law regarding ferrets, their living conditions and rabies.

Good going guys! Hopefully with such positive PR for our club as well as for our fuzzies, we'll be able to sway the Ferret Free Zones into becoming Ferret Friendly cities.

Show your support and
pick up a copy today.

LEGALIZATION

Rabies Quarantine Periods, Fort Worth

Debra Thomason <ferret@innocent.com>
President, Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

I thought everyone might like to know.... the Texas Board of Health met on 6/19. On that date they approved the proposed change to the Texas Administrative Code that defines a 10-day quarantine for ferrets that bite or scratch a person and which may therefore be considered a *potential* rabies exposure risk. This will cause them to be handled as cats and dogs are for the purpose of rabies quarantine. This spells out that "kill-and-test" is unnecessary for ferrets. I got this information from the Director of Zoonosis Control (which is a division of the Texas Dept. of Health). This is the kind of "in writing" position we've been seeking for years. It will greatly ease legalization efforts. Please note, however, that these rules do not prevent a city from making a more restrictive law and you should educate yourself on the codes in your area.

I talked to the Director of Animal Control in Fort Worth today. He was very happy to hear that this new rule went through and is waiting for the rule to be republished before approaching the city council. I am to fax it to him as soon as I get a copy, and I gave him the internet site where he can watch for himself as well. He wants his proposed ordinance for Fort Worth to echo the state rule.

So, are there any Fort Worth residents who are willing to stand up and be counted in a city council meeting? For that matter, are there any of you who would be willing to pack the council chamber on some upcoming Tuesday evening on relatively short notice? And residents, is anyone willing to meet with their council person individually to express their concerns and to introduce them to ferrets? I will be contacting my council person. I will come lend my support to any other Fort Worth resident willing to do the same. If you are interested in participating in this manner, please contact me at ferret@innocent.com, at home (817)314-0852, or at work (817)415-6479. I ask that you let me help schedule the timing on this one because I don't want to upset the basket when we have Animal Control on our side. We need to be very low key in this type of meeting, trying to educate and let the council members see how ferrets are very much a part of our lives like any companion pet. We must be very careful not to offend, even if offended. We are in more danger from someone getting upset with us than we are from ignorance. There are such good documents available to us now, and Fort Worth could be excellent leverage against Dallas that we must be sure to get it right the first time!

Please contact me to find out how you can be an active part!

OFFICER NOTES

Debra Thomason

President, Ferret Lovers' Club of Texas

As many of you know, Erika Matulich, our fearless leader, is shortly to be spirited away to Florida. Erika, we appreciate all the hard work you have done to get this club off the ground and keep it active! You have been tireless in bringing us together and promoting the welfare of ferrets. Erika will continue to contribute her ideas to our club and to our newsletter, but the distance has made it necessary for our club to find a new president. Well, you know what they say about missing a meeting where volunteers are being sought? Let me tell you it's true! At our May meeting officer duties were redistributed to cover our ever growing and changing needs. When it was all done, I was charged with the duties of president. I hope I will not let you down. I'm sure my style will be a little different than Erika's, but I hope you will find it meets the need!

An introduction seems in order, so here goes! In 1993, after many months of reading about ferrets and participating in computer bulletin board discussions, Scott and I brought home our first precious ferret. We had recently been through a personal loss and were both scraping pretty low, when one day I wandered past a pet store window and saw a display of playful little kits. I guess I set Scott up... we went out to dinner, when I developed a sudden yearning to do a little shopping and just happened to wander past this pet store. The ferrets were adorable, and Scott let me drag him into the store. The next thing he knew, I had a clerk handing me a darling little sable kit. I fussed over it and it played with me, and then I handed it to Scott. We were hooked. We took another week to get prepared to bring a little bundle of furry joy home and then Pixie became a part of our family.

Ferret math strikes most of us sooner or later to some degree. Over the next 16 months we added four more ferrets! Shadow from Beggars 'n' Thieves, Laska, who we rescued, Thor, adopted from a former club member (the old club that is), and finally Sierra, who was a tiny baby we couldn't leave in a pet store where we went to buy fish food. The fish lost out for another day because we were so taken by the ferret that we forgot the fish food! Time is too short for these little ones, and first Laska and then Shadow crossed the bridge, victims of insulinoma and adrenal carcinoma. Our special Pixie left us in late June due to multiple cancers. Thankfully Thor and Sierra are healthy and happy!

Now that you know how I was won over by ferrets, let me tell you about the issues closest to me. Probably the things that have consumed me the most throughout my involvement with ferrets are the legal issues surrounding them from outright bans to overly restrictive policies regarding rabies. I have participated in efforts at the state level to make the regulations regarding ferrets that bite or may otherwise be considered a rabies risk reasonable, guarding both the public health and the rights of the ferret owner. In July of 1996 we finally got some changes in place to define a "domestic ferret" and the minimum requirements for its care while in quarantine in place while making the 30-day quarantine already allowed for more obviously apply to ferrets. On June 19 this year, the regulations were changed again to require 10-day quarantines as are provided for cats and dogs in accordance with the 1998 Compendium of Animal Rabies Control. With this change, Fort Worth is on the brink of legalizing ferrets, following cities like Plano, Garland, and San Antonio which had already made ferrets legal. We will revisit Plano at some point to correct the language regarding the handling of biting ferrets to recognize the new compendium and Texas Administrative Code. Fort Worth's turnaround is very dear to me because it is where I have lived since 1994. Once we succeed there, Dallas will be our next target. However, to continue to make progress, we need volunteers. Watch for more information on this soon!

The other issue that I feel a special concern for is sheltering and adoption of ferrets. I would like to see a day come when all unwanted ferrets go to shelters rather than being abandoned, turned away, or needlessly put down. I would like to see a day when the shelters could responsibly take all these animals because adoption rates were so high that shelter populations stayed manageable. I would like to never walk into a shelter whose operators had less capacity, assistance, funding, or time in the day than they needed to provide for both their own needs and the needs of the ferrets. It sounds like I would like a near perfect world. I would. I hope that we will someday we will get there. And if it is slow coming, I would someday like to be one of those giving shelter. But I realize I have other skills and can offer, and I would be less than happy with my results if I took up sheltering now. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, and if I can't reach my personal ideal for a shelter, then I won't do it until I can match that picture. I have great respect for those that rise to the challenge. Thank you for being there.

Again, let me say that I appreciate Erika and her efforts to help ferrets and ferret owners. We would be poorer without them. I will do my best to fill the requirements of the presidency adequately. I hope I can count on your support!

Local Ferrets to Be On TNT

On July 11, at 9pm, the Turner Network Television Company (TNT) will be running the Beastmaster trilogy. TNT is a cable TV network.

Joe Bob Briggs is the host and Patty Israelson of The Beggars & Thieves had the opportunity to be the featured guest on the program along with several of her ferrets.

Joe Bob had a great time playing with the ferrets, and Patty had all ages of ferrets with her, including a two-week old kit. The fuzzies and Patty will be on the entire program during the breaks between the showing of the movies. She got in some good information about the situation in CA, and ferrets as pets.

"I hope you all get a chance to see this. It was lots of fun taping the program, the ferrets steal the show (as usual!) and there are some other great guests on with us." ~Patty Israelson

FFRS WISH LIST

The shelter also needs donations of the following supplies: paper towels, bleach, litter, hairball medication, vaccines, food (Iams kitten or Totally Ferret), and other medications. You can also help by sponsoring or fostering a needy ferret. Donations can be made directly to the FFRS vet account at the Bowen Rd. Animal Clinic. Check out the new web site for the Ferrets First Rescue and Shelter at http://www.flash.net/~ffrs

Please help if you can. If you wish to make a donation, become a sponsor, or request an adoption application packet, please contact shelter director Patricia Curtis at metro (817)596-0558. Or at ffrs@flash.net

Hello, my name is Matthew Stevens, and I am proud to announce the official opening of a new halfway house & ferret rescue in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Kozy Kingdom Ferret Rescue & Halfway House, located in the heart of the metroplex, in Grand Prairie, gives us an ideal location for most everyone and every ferret we can help. For those who know me, know that I've been doing rescues for a little while now, so I've decided to make it official. What better place to announce our opening than in the newsletter of the club that I'm involved in most.

With the opening, I will be creating a web site dedicated to the rescue that we help. That address will be www.kozykingdom.com/ferretrescue This address will be the place to find all the information available on what Kozy Kingdom is doing, what ferrets I've rescued, placed and what I'm planning for the future. I welcome your questions, comments and your assistance.

Since we are a small ferret rescue & halfway house, all the ferrets receive the utmost in care and attention. I am currently working with another shelter which will assist me with ferrets in need of long term rehabilitation and care for those with special needs that may take a while to find the right home.

My philosophy here is no ferret is unadoptable. Those of you who have met my personal ferrets, have met Bijoux. When Bijoux was first injured, I wasn't prepared for what adjustments she'd need as a paraplegic, but like many of you, I learned. Anyone good enough to be a home for a Kozy Kingdom rescued ferret, has to be willing to learn. Those ferrets with special needs only makes them that much more special and with education every family willing to make the commitment can adopt even the neediest of ferrets. With that let me introduce the current residences at Kozy Kingdom . . .

First there is Cara Mia, a Canadian bred and born ferret, who is a champaign point. She's approximately six months old. She is very playful and full of spirit.

Next there is, Kitten, who is approximately six months of age and is a Peterson Ferrets' ferret. Kitten is definitely the liveliest of them all, she would make a wonderful addition to any home that's looking for a ferret that will out last them all at play time, despite the fact she was diagnosed with a heart murmur

Lastly, there is Babu, a Marshal Farms' ferret and was born the first week of February 1998. He's unique in that only one foot isn't a mitt. Babu like the other two is a kisser and he especially will indulge you in a short cuddle session.

If you know of a ferret in need, call 972-320-8301. If you know of a deserving family tell them to send in a self addressed stamped business envelope to:

Kozy Kingdom Halfway House & Rescue
P.O. Box 201013
Arlington, TX 76006-1013

to receive an adoption packet or be looking for a complete application which will be available online. Kozy Kingdom intends to uphold a thorough screening process so that each and every ferret placed is in the right home for that ferret, and also for that family. Please be aware that Kozy Kingdom does have a mild strain of the ECE virus and all ferrets adopted out from Kozy Kingdom carry that virus.

COVER FERRET

Arthur

It's my pleasure to introduce you to Arthur. Arthur is a 3 year old black sable, who lives with Matthew (Krazy Kritter) and Vikki in Grand Prairie. Arthur's defining characteristic is wherever you heard a crash, loud noise or anything out of the ordinary you are sure to find Arthur. Whenever you do find him, it's always in the middle of somewhere he shouldn't be and with that all to familiar "Who me?" or "Hello, what brings you here?" look on his face. Despite his little ferret antics, he's a very sweet and loveable character who loves to pick on you. :-)

Kozy Kingdom Ferret Rescue and Halfway House