October 2002
Letter from the President By Millie Sanders
I want to tell you about a little girl named Prell.
About 4 years ago I accompanied a friend to a breeder in Sulphur Springs
and saw this little angel faced, black nosed, 9 month old petite girl in
a 2' x 2' cage waiting her time to come in season to be a mama, living for
that purpose. I paid $75 for her and off I went with the cutest, dancingest,
fun lovingest, kissingest girl that walked this earth. All went well till
my home was broken into, my jewelry and two ferrets were stolen - yes Prell
& Salty WITH a cage.
I got my ferrets back but Prell was traumatized - just stared, did not kiss,
did not dance. She crawled into a drawer of my sewing cabinet and would
not come out to eat or poop, everything was done in that drawer. I
used Rescue Remedy and it worked, she became a ferret again but not the dancing,
kissing thing she had been.
I got a little biter to soften up so she could find a home and Donna Turk
came to see her. The Turks are a truck-driving family and had had 2 Marshall
Farms kids in a row that developed heartbreaking diseases so they wanted
a home grown ferret to travel with them. Mildew would not do, she bit and
ran from them, she just "wasn’t the one". Prell would hide for days where
I could not find her and even though she was MY ferret, I showed them her
picture and they fell in love with her. I felt Prell was no longer happy
here. She was the first ferret I ever gave away but I felt this was right.
I bawled my eyes out, and got Donna crying too but off they went . . . and
the Queen of the road was born. She found her niche in life, she was meant
to be a little gear-jamming fool . . . she hit more states than I have been
in. She got to ride in Donna's purse into restaurants, stores, and
everywhere. They came through one night and I got to meet them on the road
and if I did not know before, I knew then she was in her element. I got pictures
of her ever so often and lived her life in my mind.
About a month or so ago, in the new sleeper Donna was putting the bed/bench
back in place, where Prell slept. There was an extra bar in it she was unaware
of and apparently Prell was a little over the spot she normally slept in
and was killed instantly. In the prime of her life, healthy, happy and then
gone leaving a hole not only in Donna and her husband's hearts but in those
truckers who saw her on the road, those who knew her story, and
ME.
One of the ladies in our club, Terri, knew of her spirit and her story .
. . and most of you know the plea we sent out for contributions for a little
boy who came in with a broken leg/hip desperately needing surgery . . . Terri
made a contribution of $100 in Prell's name. Donna heard of this contribution
and also made one of $100.00. So you see, sometimes these little guys and
gals live on in ways long after they physically leave us.
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Ranger's Story by Diane Taylor
I was at the local pet store picking up supplies for the ferrets (I had 12
at the time) when I saw this little black-eyed white kit staring at me from
a cage. I wanted him so bad but was at my limit and could not justify paying
$150 for a kit when I take in unwanted ferrets. This kit would surely find
a good home.
Six weeks went by and nothing more was thought of it. Yes, he crossed my
mind but the other 12 kept me busy so I forgot. It was in the afternoon,
a storm was brewing overhead here in Arkansas (March, bad weather time) and
it looked like we were going to get hit by something big; maybe even a tornado!
The phone rang and it was the pet store owner asking if I wanted that black-eyed
white ferret I saw six (6) weeks ago. The kid who bought him had neglected
him and his grandmother ended up with “the little rodent” stored in a cage
in her dark and dismal basement. Well she ended up taking him in his filthy
cage back to them and basically dumped him off in 90 degree weather with
a major storm brewing. He was badly emaciated, skin and bones, and in feces
knee deep with live and dead maggots all over the place. They cleaned him
up and gave me a frantic call. I immediately went over there, storm or no
storm, took one look at the state he was in, and took him home. The storm
hit that night and all hell broke loose. I named him Ranger because, even
though skinny as hell, he had spunk. He inhaled the kibble and stood in the
middle of it daring any other ferret to go near him - they stood away.
He established himself as the Alpha ferret from day one; half skin
and bones but piss and vinegar was in that frail little body of his.
Now, nine (9) months later, he is fat and sassy, shares his food, plays all
the time, gives me sugars galore and is THE Alpha Ferret of this household.
Ranger is, indeed, something else.
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Zeus: An Introduction by Zeus
Zeus here, and its about time I get to write something for this newsletter.
After all, Salty Dog has his column – even if it is an advice column and
quit humorous at that, but it is time some hard-hitting journalism.
First off, I must address the problems with the last issue. I have been begging
for this opportunity for some time now, but Dad Larry kept telling me there
was no room for me in the newsletter. Well, after the last one was printed
out, I decided to wait until everyone was asleep and sneak out with the originals
and produce the newsletter; I figured this would show them that I am capable
of contributing in my own way. Well, I had to enlist the aid of Dexter –
not the smartest dachshund around. All he had to do was help me get the originals
off the table and paperclip them to my collar. Then it was off to Kinko’s.
That was the plan anyway. Dexter had other ideas, he wanted to tag along,
but not help out. He wanted to roam the neighborhood looking for girls. I
had to remind him he did not have those anymore and looking for girls should
be the furthest thing from his mind. He gave me a funny look, then looked
down and realized what I was talking about. Anyway, off I went, leaving Dexter
behind to contemplate the meaning of life for a neutered dog.
Kinko’s is about 5 miles from the house – most of you humans don’t walk that
far, now think about how it is for us with really short legs – that has to
work out to something like 50 miles. I was exhausted. On top of that, the
originals came loose from the paperclip twice, and I had to chase those suckers
down. I really needed a hit of Ferratone by this time. Once I finally reached
my destination, I had to wait until someone open the door and I could dash
in. Once inside, I didn’t expect the Xerox machines to be so high, and nothing
to easily climb my way up on. So, I had to think creatively, but instead
I fell asleep. I woke up from the brief nap with the answer to my problems;
it was like a prophecy or something.
Anyway, once I finally got on top of the machines, and raised the lids to
put the originals under, I must have forgotten the correct placement of the
pages. Either that or they got really messed up when they came loose from
the paperclip on the way here.
When I was done, I had to get back home without passing out. I had reached
my limit for activity today and was going through withdrawals from Ferratone,
so you can imagine I was not a happy camper. And to top that, I had to worry
about getting 50 big copies home along with the originals.
I finally made it home in one piece, barely escaping a rumble with
the Northeast Mall gang, only to find Dexter still sitting there staring
at what’s not there anymore with a dazed expression on his face. I woke up
three of the other ferrets; broke open the Ferratone (a 1996 Vintage from
France) and we had a folding party. It was at this time I realized my mistake.
I tried to pass the buck and blame Dexter, but Dad Mike didn’t fall for it.
So that’s how it happened. I apologize. Hopefully I will get to write
again soon, and if I do I will see if I can tell the story about when I was
undercover as a dragqueen trying to break up the illegal Ferratone market.
Until next time – Auf Wiedersehen!
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Member Spotlight by Beccy Parish
This month our member spotlight is directed toward Nancy Morrow. Nancy’s
love of ferrets began in 1983 when her son Eric mentioned that he would like
to have one. Nancy stated that she knew ferrets existed but had no
idea how much a little fuzzie named Mollie would change their lives.
Mollie’s family was moving and could not take her with them, so she became
a part of Nancy’s family. Mollie had the run of the house and quickly
learned the family routine. Nancy recalls how Mollie would start the
day by waking up her daughter Lisa at 5:45 am. After having everyone
in the house out of bed, Mollie would go back to sleep in whichever bed was
her choice for that morning. Nancy’s family had a sign that read MOLLIE
IS HERE, which was attached to the bedding where the lump was created
from the sleeping Mollie underneath. Dad Larry did not like Mollie sleeping
on the sheets so when in his bed Mollie respected his wishes and always slept
between the bedspread and the first blanket. This thought brings a
smile to Nancy’s face.
Since 1983 Nancy has had five ferrets in her family. The last
two senior citizens passed on this last year and she misses them dearly.
Our condolences go out to Nancy and her family.
As Nancy’s love of ferrets grew so did her knowledge about them.
She recently remodeled her home making sure it was ferret proof in preparation
for her new arrivals. About three weeks ago Nancy adopted five fuzzies (Gracie,
Alice, Effie, Ralph and George) and looks forward to playtime each day with
them. Nancy says "I have never met anyone with such joy. The weasel
war dance is a sight to behold." I agree with Nancy on this and have
to add that there are very few things that can bring us the joy that ferrets
do. Nancy probably has as many pictures and stories of her ferret family
as she does her human family. She truly has a love for ferrets.
Mollie, Francee, Phoebe, Smokey and the Bandit were such a comfort
and blessing in Nancy’s life and her new family members are bringing such
happiness that Nancy has decided to write a book "For the Love of Ferrets
©". So all you ferret lovers watch for its release and make sure
you get a copy. I am sure it will be very interesting reading.
Nancy thanks us for her trip down memory lane and we thank Nancy for sharing
with us.
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From the Desk of Salty Dog
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGG
Hello, Salty Dog here, hows can I helps your love life?
- Oh No, ladies, ferrets are members of de weasel family, not de rat family,
we's much higher up on de food chain. We eats dem.
Hello, hello????
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGG
Hello, Salty Dog here, hows can I helps your love life?
- MY MOTHER? No, my mother didn't haves no love lifes, mothers don't
have love lifes, mothers just have kits.
(whispering: I taught you was screening my calls, Ajax, moves over
and lets Tequila takes over dis job)
SILENCE
MORE SILENCE
(OK Tequila, what's going on, I's not getting no calls!...............screening
doesn't mean referring dem all ta Zeus, Ya's fired, now Ajax gets ta works
and gives me some calls)
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGG
Hello, Salty Dog heres, hows can I helps your love life?
- No, I's don'ts needs my carpet cleaned, we done gots rid of de carpet and
now alls you needs ta cleans wif is a pancakes turner. but comes ta tinks
of it, dere are a couple of corners we coulds use your
CLICK
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGG
Hello, Salty Dog heres, hows can I helps your love life?
- No, I don'ts gets ta watch much tv, Grandma hangs de remote control from
de ceiling wheres we can'ts reach it. If she falls asleep on de couch,
den we gets ta watch de late night reruns of Animal Planet and de National
Geographical, deys gots some real xrated stuff in dere, we don't watch no
soaps operas but I'll be happys ta answer your survey. Click
(HEY guys, helps me outs here, calls me up and asks me a questions)
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGG
Hello, Salty Dog heres, hows can I helps your love life?
- Now how should I know dat, Brillo, yah don't turns de cards over til you
gets dem all scattered on de floor.
It's de moon, gotta waits til it's full. I'll go see if dere is any
Pounce Tartar Control laying around anywhere. Chhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeseeeeeee
what a ferrets got ta do for a little excitement arounds here. ¢
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That Special One by H.T Wheeler
I assume most of you readers are old grizzled veterans of the ferret fraternity.
Probably like most parents we never admit to ever loving one more than another,
but I think deep inside we all hold a special place for that special one,
the ferret that led us to the discovery they were something very special
is mine.
Our first ferret was Bandit. Now I have to admit I acquired Bandit for my
son and daughter who were high school students at the time. I pretty much
tolerated him for their sake and paid him little attention, complained a
good deal too. My son became Bandit’s caretaker and Bandit gave him something
he needed with the high school years being very difficult.
Several years passed and, as all good children do, my son got up one day
and said, "Thanks Mom, thanks Dad" and was gone to live his life. Bandit
and I were thrown together not out of choice, but necessity. As I spent more
and more time with him I started to realize what keen intellect and strong
emotions he possessed. Then my daughter left home and my wife, Vikki, and
I began the "empty nest" phase of our lives.
More and more I would turn to my new buddy for comfort. Somehow Bandit knew
how I felt. He would come and curl up next to me or on my lap and look up
with those black eyes and everything bad went away.
I adjusted to life’s changes and Bandit became one of my greatest pleasures.
Of course no words were ever spoken, none were needed, but we communicated
and shared and loved each other very much. Bandit lived to be 8 and although
he has been gone for almost 5 years I miss him still.
I share my life with 8 ferrets now, maybe 9 soon, and each one is special,
unique and precious. I hope each of my readers has or has had a "special
one". If so, you are very fortunate. §
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October's Vet Profile
Name:
Stacie Hayes-Fowler, DVM
Where did you grow up?
Denton, TX area
Where did you go to college and Vet school (including internships)?
Part of undergrad at UNT, rest Texas A&M.
Where have you previously practiced?
Denton area
Where are you currently practicing?
Carrollton, North Texas Emergency Pet Clinic, practice limited to emergency
critical care of small animals and non-traditional species (exotics)
What is your favorite animal?
I like too many to pick just one
What pets do you currently have at home?
Currently , dogs, cats, birds (have owned a large number of different species
over the years, many were rescue critters or abandoned at the clinics where
I have worked). I am currently ferretless as both my very elderly ferrets
succumbed to illness a few years ago.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
Sadly, mostly work. I do enjoy scrapbooking and reading.
What general information about your family would you like to share withour
readers? (Married? How long? Children? Etc.)
I am very happily married and am a new mom to a precious one month old girl.
Is there any additional information you wish to share about yourself that
you think our readers would find interesting?
I have dedicated a large amount of time, energy and expense participating
in extra training in the care of exotic species.
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In Defense of Ferrets by Linda Good
Walt is still trying to get an appointment with Laura Miller, so hopefully
next month we will have some new developments in that area. In the
meantime, I have chosen two more places in this area.
I started out with Irving. Section 6:2 in the Irving Municipal code actually
says, “Ferrets are not prohibited animals” In section 6:23-24. the code says
“It is illegal to keep … ferrets beyond weaning without an annual rabies
vaccination.” Other parts of the ordinance require proper confinement
>From there, I checked out Bedford Texas. Here ferrets are legal but
all pets are limited to 5 animals per family. Owners also must provide adequate
food, water and facilities of sufficient size. All animals must be licensed
and vaccinated.
Please email me at sktrlady@attbi.com if there are any questions, comments,
or any other places you would like for me to check. Until next month,
happy war dancing with your friends.
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Did You Know . . . ?
That the Swahili word for ferret is "Kinyama kama cheche"?
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Memorials
MOVING NOTICE: Shyanne, the sweetest female sable, moved to a better
and bigger home this week on September 28, 2002. She is currently teaching
angels how to war dance and steal shiny treasures. We loved her and
will miss her greatly after having her with us only 5 short months.
We wish her luck in her new home and job.
Audri and Linda Good
Walter Morrison
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