Saturday report-29 dec 07

So, it’s that time again. THE SATURDAY REPORT by Nigel


Today we decided to give Randy her fill-up of fuzzies, she had been looking a bit peaky lately so we figured she must be down a few hugs and kisses. You all know what I mean, Randy’s form of ferret abuse, she calls it rent, but tell me, how many times do you see Randy with a ferret up to her face with the little fuzzy’s desperately trying to push her away with his or her front paws. We brought along an alumni of ferrets from the shelter, Higgins & Burke, Fabian (Stumpy) and Dew. Sorry Deb, he’s still as cute as ever.

Out first, came Gloria and Laura, or Laura and Gloria if you prefer. And after an appropriate pause, Burkie was deposited in the middle. Gloria was ecstatic, a great big male to sniff and frolic with, Laura also soon caught on and we had a threesome. No dirty thoughts here, just three ferrets. So, guess what, we dumped Dew into the mix. No problems, all were having fun together, in went Fabian, and finally Higgins. We were concerned about Higgins, he used to be Juggernaut, and for a reason. He is very rambunctious, just big and fuller of energy than most. Well apart from a bit of a drag across the floor of Laura until she was taught him his lesson. All went well for the rest of the hour. These two girls should be tried with other ferrets in the shelter, under strict supervision, because they seem able to mix with others quite well. They did the same mixing with Ali’s two boys a couple of weeks ago.

We did see one funny thing during this gathering. Our boys all needed their nails cut so we decided to do it while at the shelter. When we were finished, we gave each a bit of tone on the belly and let them lick it off. We also gave some to the girls so they would not be left out. Well it so happened that Burke was placed next to Gloria while they both licked themselves clean, weeellllll.,……………. Gloria finished first and decided to help Burke and started to lick his belly. I haven’t seen Burke move so fast with such an indignant look on his face when she licked his privates.


Then our boys went to bed and out came Hercules and Sophie in one room and Tommy and Bailey in the other room. I had T & B in the main room. I also filled a box with some leaves from the bag in the back room. Bailey went absolutely nuts when dumped in the leaves and then had leaves poured all over him. Tommy was excited too but not as nuts as Bailey. On Bonnie’s side, Hercules and Sophie were introduced to first Burke and then Dew. Hercules did not like Burke being there but took some time to get nasty. He tried to intimidate him, but Burke can’t be intimidated, he just ignores aggressive ferrets and goes about his business, this must have frustrated Herc, cause he then tried to teach Burke a lesson, and although he wasn’t getting very far we pulled Burke out and put in Dew instead. Sophie got to Dew first and tried to take a chunk out of him. Looks like Sophie and Herc are great together but not with others at the moment. Neither was very impressed with playing very much in the leaves. They were both active until about an hour had passed and then Hercules went down for a snooze. Sophie was still active when she was put away, with a large dose of goop on her belly.

Tommy prefers the paper box to the leaves.


Lastly we had Juniper and Gizmo out, one to each room. Giz is like a puppy, and wants 100% attention. He actually nipped me to get my attention when it faltered. He now has an impressive coat of fur and needs to get adopted. He will make some one a wonderful personal friend. He is so gentle, and yet loves to play one on one. At some point, it would be interesting to try and introduce him to another ferret. Perhaps we could try him with Laura and Gloria.


While Juniper was out she had Burke for company, and to those that thought she would not mix, they got along fine. She did try to show him who’s boss, but when he stood up to her she backed off and then tried periodically to provoke a reaction from him. He would then ignore her. All in all, they tolerated each other and even interacted quite well. They survived an hour together without any conflict. She is another that should be mixed in with another ferret. Maybe Gizmo.


And that ends Saturday, we have four exhausted boys all curled up and fast asleep. Bonnie and I may not be far behind.


Nigel and Bonnie.

December 24, 2007

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house ferrets were dooking, playing with my spouse…okay, I can’t pull it off so I’ll just stop and give you the skinny on the pre-Christmas weasel run…

 

Hercules and Sophie played well together. Sophie snacked on my right arm all evening. She really doesn’t like me. Perhaps my making her eat her own ass has something to do with it. She played in the leaf box with Herc and they chased each other through the tunnels. Herc  enjoys antagonizing Sophie. He has a terrible habit of goosing her from behind. One day that boy is going to lose his nose.

 

Gloria and Laura were good fun. Laura is not unlike Sophie in that she likes to chew on my arms. She will wander over and just casually hangs out beside me and then out of the blue nip me, then again, then again, then walk away. She never bites hard enough to hurt, unlike Sophie, and will only bit the soft fleshy part of my arms. Of course both Sophie and Laura, and Gloria for that matter do no such thing with Amanda. Gloria climbs everything all the time. Cutting back on her coffee would probably be a good idea.

 

Gizmo looks so good now that his fur is back. Gizmo tunneled through the blankets and towels I piled on the floor. Unlike the icky girl ferrets, Gizmo doesn’t bite. He was a lot of fun to play with. Gizmo spent the better part of his time out digging a rubber ball from the ball box. Once out he hide it somewhere. I’ll ask everyone to keep their eyes open for it, its blue and pink, and a definite choking/blockage hazard if it gets chewed up.

 

Even though Randy had Tommy and Bailey out previously, we had them out again for another 30 minute. They tooled around, dooking and carrying on like they normally do. Tommy is so fat now that his shadow was moved to another cage due to overcrowding. I played tug-of-war with Bailey and the hammock he pulled out of the toy bag.

 

Juniper was let out by Randy before we arrived. Thanks Randy.

 

Merry Christmas to Randy, Olympia, and all the volunteers. Thanks for caring when no one else would.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert and Amanda.

FW: Randy Belair: Harley Bug

Here's a VERY sweet letter sent to me. Wanted to share.

Miss Randy Melanie Belair

Hi Randy,
Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I "talked" to you. When Tazzie was so sick, you and Harley was talked to often lol. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your story in ferret magazine. It made me bawl of course. Lots of forgotten memories of things we talked about, about Harley and Tazzie and how Harley was showing Tazzie how to fight the good fight and how you helped me deal with those that said, put him down. I know you probably don't remember all this, or me for that matter, but you and Harley forever have a huge place in my heart. I remember when Harley died, Tazzie died a month later. I have always thought they are at the bridge together making up for all lifes' hardships they had to endure.
Harley has both eyes, and is the picture of health, and Tazzie, he is NEVER on those Tazzie wheels again. He's running on strong healthy legs and enjoying every minute of it:-)And your mom. I cried when she died. I saw her picture before yours or Harleys when I was thumbing through the magazine. I recognized her as your mom. I recognized her from all the love and stories and pictures you shared of her and Harley. I keep seeing her sharing her pudding with Harley lol. I can't remember if it's Dena or Deanna, but I'm almost 100% positive it's one of those two, even after all these years, and I'm a very forgetful person. I guess my point on this part is the legacies do go on. Anyway, I'll let you go. I just wanted to let you know how touched I was by your story. I remember all the pain YOU went through at the the time, and I know, you were such a great mom. Harley was very, very lucky to have you. Just as lucky as you were to have him.

Hugs and Merry Christmas
Lois Caselman

FW: Rolo & Otis pictures

Wanted to share these with you all. My Rolo and Otis :) Miss them so much but just LOOK how happy they are!!! Merry Christmas all and looking into these kid's faces remember what a great job you all do in helping these little ones find forever homes. We couldn't have a shelter or any success with the shelter without all of you. I am so thankful we have the WORLD'S BEST volunteers. Love you all!!! xx

 

 

Miss Randy Melanie Belair

sunday report

Hi everyone,

The kids were especially adorable and playful yesterday or maybe I just
missed them more.

I was so pleased to see that Tommy and Bailey are room mates again.
They are so cute sleeping together in the hammock.

Laura and Gloria had loads of energy. You can barely tell Gloria had
surgery, her fur has grown in so nicely. They make such an adorable
little couple.

Sophie and Hercules have changed so much since she first came to the
shelter, They are so much happier and well adjusted. Every time I
walked by Herc's cage it seemed that he poofed but I guess they were
little love farties. It was time again for little Herc to be expressed
so out to the driveway we went.

Juniper gets prettier every time I see her. She is gaining weight and I
didn't hear her cough at all.

Gizmo by man is finally growing the fur on his back and neck. He is
such a sweet little boy and I love his Roman nose!

I put all the extra paper towels in the wood cabinet so the second room
does not look so cluttered.

Have a great holiday!
Olympia

saturday report

Sorry I didn't post yesterday.

I had Gizmo and Juinper out first. She was very active and chatty
yesterday. And all poop and pee was in the litter box! Gizmo was his
crazy little self, was running around like his head was cut off! Just
having a great time. I did notice he went into the litter box at least
5 times with out producing any urine. Other then that, he was fine.

Then Bailey and Tommy, with Sophie and Herc were out. I didn't realize
that Sophie can jump the gate now! Good thing Randy caught her, she
gave me a heart attack! So the back door was closed for Sophie and
Herc. Other then her getting out, they were great, very playful and
they love the leaf box still :). Bailey and Tommy are so cute, so
active and playful and Tommy runs to you to be picked up and cuddled.
Bailey gave me my first kiss! Three licks to my chin :). Everything
was great for them.

And then Laura and Gloria were out. Laura was very chatty yesterday,
and Gloria was her sweet self. Both were playful and cute :). Gloria
gave me lots of kisses, and Laura got a good bite to my chin! Forgot
what one I was holding, was looking at something and she just reached
up and "chomp!" My fault for ignoring the girl.

I cut all there nails. Some of them had really long nails, so I just
decided to cute them all, hope that was ok.

Two of them, or maybe three had soft poops, I can't remember what ones
but I wrote it in the log.

I really hope I get my camera for Christmas so I can start taking
pictures of them! There was one shot of Tommy I wish I could have got.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday! And a great New Years.

Ali

Harley "Bug" in Ferrets Mag!!!

It's been many years since he left us but now he's alive in our hearts once again. Harley "Bug" is on page 50 of the Jan/Feb issue of Ferrets Magazine. I couldn't be happier to share the story of Bug with everyone. My man. Even so many years after his death, he still remains such a big part of my heart.

 

 

Miss Randy Melanie Belair

Saturday Report

Hello everyone,

Saturday was great, every one had lots of fun.

Gloria, Bailey and Herc are looking wonderful after there surgeries.

Logan, Bailey and Sophie had soft poops, Sophie also had one yellow
coloured. I think it was just the three of them.

First time meeting Inge. She is so playful! She was running around
after me and she goes crazy for the squeaky toys. I thought she was
going to fall over trying to get to it after I squeaked it, and she
jumped pretty high as well.

Gizmo was out for 45 minutes (5:15, not 5:30, I can't remember if I
changed it in the log book or not). He kept scratching him self
somehow, maybe because he didn't have fur to protect himself. When I
took him out, he had a rash/scratch on the back of his neck and two
scabs, one on both back legs. When I left him to go clean the second
room, I came back 5 mins later and he had two small puncture marks, I
guess its called, on the back of his neck that were bleeding a little
bit, nothing major just a small drop or two. Then about 10 minutes
before I put him back he had another scratch/rash on the top of his
head. Something to keep an eye on maybe? I tried putting the red shirt
on him, but he wouldn't keep it on.

Well hope everyone has a great weekend :)

Ali

Thursday report

We sure do have a lot of lovely ferrets at the shelter right now, so
playful and social, we had lots of fun tonite. The second room is quite
improved, the draft is gone, and once I had the door open for awhile
the room was just slightly cooler than the other one, and I think they
all enjoy room two the most .. I think the temperature is fine with
them.

The new rugs - I'm not sure if they are eyeballs or what - are lovely
and thick, we all liked them a lot, as well as the boxes of
leaves/shredded paper and the new soft tunnel were greatly liked and
well played with. Tonite was a good ball nite too, Gizmo was hilarious,
flying around after a ball like a fiend.

Chubby and Logan weren't as chirpy as I would have liked to have seen
them, but they played quite a bit and were up most of an hour. Everyone
else was bouncy and playful for their whole time out.

I can't get over what a little miss sociability Juniper is, she's a
lovely girl.

Cheers all, Sue

Tuesday report

Hi all,

I'm new so please forgive any faux pas I commit. I've also got a hectic week, so this will be a bit brief.

Tommy and Bailey - Bailey looks a little raw around his stitches closer to his hindquarters, but the upper three-quarters seem to be healing well. Both were very active and wrestling quite a bit. Tommy was especially sweet as always.

Gloria and Laura - Spent a lot of time playing in the leaf box (which has now morphed into a shredded paper box as well).

Sophie and Herc - Sophie was as mischievous as could be and Herc was his normal plodding happy self.

Juniper - Wow, is she ever a ball of energy. She was running and climbing and chatting and just didn't want to stop. There were four or five poops outside her little pan as well as what was inside. Some of them were dried so I don't know if it was all from one night.

Logan and Chubby - They were pretty active for the two of them, so I gave them some extra time out since I had an odd number of run groups. They eventually tired out and snuggled up in the cube, but they seemed to be in decent spirits.

Gizmo - The coat looks more full and even, mostly in the hindquarters, than two weeks ago. There was also more energy and inquisitive behaviour, so that seems to be a good sign.

Inge - This was my first time meeting Inge, but she seemed really excited to play and climb. She was ready to go long before she got out and would have been fine to keep going if she could have. Sweet little girl.

Cheers,
Stephen

Saturday report

Just thought you would all like to see it in bold lettering as you all keep telling me to keep writing one, sorry Ali but 6 ½ years of reporting is a hard habit to break.
Today was a thrill for both Bonnie and I, except for the bone problems, you all know what I mean, eh, Sue, some of us older folks find it a drag to keep sitting down on the floor and then getting up again. It has to happen, you know, you get settled on the floor with one of a duo to find the other has just climbed a cage and you think they are in imminent danger of falling off or tossing everything onto the floor, so up you get and bring them down, to then sit back down and find they have climbed back up. It’s a cycle we all go through, eh! Sooo truue.
I started with Juniper and Bonnie started with Inge, then we swapped at about the half hour mark. I was catching up on my paperwork using the cage with the plywood on top, and little Juniper would keep climbing the cage just to be with me. Time and again, she did this. She just loves personal attention. A beautiful little girl for someone to adopt. So personable. She also loves playing with balls.

Oh, she also got into my camera bag.
Then Bonnie and I switched girls, I got Inge and she got Juniper. She found Juniper to be the same with her as she was with me. Inge is very similar in her behaviour as Juniper. She is very personable, and cuddly, loves being handled, takes TD’s, and will nip when she is in the leaf box. NOT hard.
BTW, I brought in a large yard bag of dried leaves to keep the leaf box fresh with scrunchy leaves for the ferrets.
Oh, I forgot, It’s Bennie’s birthday on Sunday, please call (416-219-6728) to wish her a happy birthday.
Inge originally was picked up by Bonnie and I at Brampton Animal Control after she and her companion, Tony, we named them were left at the gate of a local school. Her friend was Tony (named after a couple, friends of ours and the shelters who took four ferrets from the FAS. Tony and Inge. Unfortunately, and sadly Tony had issues that did not allow him to survive a surgery we gave him to help him overcome his problems. That left Inge, who substituted all the volunteers for her lost mate. She is a really affectionate little girl. Forgot to mention, Inge uses the litter when outside the cage, unusual but great.
Following Inge came Tommy and Bailey with me and Sophie and Herc with Bonnie. Tommy has his best coat ever, long hair and super luxurious, Bailey is also doing well, but his is more course. Bailey’s tail is super, grey with a black band and a pure white tip. Tommy actually looks much bigger than he actually is due to all his luxuriant fur. Tommy also seems to be developing a blaze on his head, it is a light streak from front to back. And finally, he seems to be the dominant one over Bailey in the leaf box. Bailey actually behaved quite subdued to Tommy when they were both in the box.
Just a note, our Burke has just sobered up and woken up, he loves to clean our wine glasses, he can smell one from across the room, and NO we do not encourage him.
Bailey is looking great after surgery, hasn’t really slowed him down one iota. His incision is still looking a bit raw, but it is not slowing him down.
Please keep an eye on Sophie, she has vomited at least three times in her cage. She did well today, her normal mischievous self, or as Bonnie told me, she nipped Bonnie on the back of her leg, i.e. bare skin, and then fluffed her tail and jumped around the room chortling to herself. ( laughing at Bonnie). She really is a really personable little devil.
Herc was his normal self despite having had his belly ripped open this week. Sophie and Herc were out in the garage room which according to Bonnie is perishingly cold, the ferrets must agree with her as most who came out in that room spent most of their time looking for warm places to curl up.
The door needs some weather stripping installed and also the mouldings need some more nails, I will try to do something about it soon.
Next was Chubby and Logan, and these boys really do need to get out of the shelter. They need a home!. They are not doing really well at the shelter.
One really has to work at getting these two to play and be active. They are wonderfully personable boys, but seem unhappy. Chubby was also quite cold in the garage room and spent most of his run looking for warm places to curl up in.
Logan did play well in the leaf box with the new leaves. If these current leaves get mulched like the others did, then change them from the bag of leaves in the garage storage room.
Almost at the end, we had Gloria and Laura out . Let me firstly fill you in on Gloria’s last few days. Gloria had surgery on Thursday, adrenal. Britt picked her up from the Clinic and took her home, so she got the royal treatment at Britt and Stephen’s, with lot’s of Stephen’s chicken soup. It is so famous that other significant ferret owners use it too. As it was our weekend to do the shelter, Bonnie and I went over to B&S’s ( we were Xmas shopping in their neck of the woods anyway) and spent a great evening with B&S (thank you) and brought Gloria home with us when we left. She slept all the way home. She also met our little Dew, who is so unobtrusive and inoffensive that she let him follow all around the house while she explored. He wa totally enamoured with Gloria.
Today we brought her back and Laura was ecstatic to see her little friend. Gloria is the most cuddly, and gives lots of kisses. Laura is still a bit skittish, she was particularly nervous when any sudden noise occurred. I made some noise while I repaired the half door by the stiars.
PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DOOR AS A HANDRAIL/SUPPORT WHEN YOU GO DOWN INTO THE ROOM. IT WILL BREAK THE DOOR. SO DON’T DO IT.
And lastly out came Gizmo, our little naked boy with all the pizzazz imaginable, although he must have felt cool, he just kept going, always looking for attention, climbing p on us so he could get attention.
He appears to be starting to grow some hair, hopefully it will all come back, he really is a great ferret, who needs a good attentive home. He at least does not stand on his dignity, and shy away from attention, he is a proud and playfull little guy.
So there you have it. Saturday’s report.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and remember to give your little friends an extra hug, you all will enjoy it.
Nigel and Bonnie.
PS my other bitch is against those who secure the litter boxes in the cages to stop the guys from moving them around. It makes it so much harder to clean them.

Tuesday report

Everyone got LOADS of time out today, all over an hour and a half.

Tommy and Bailey were their regular ol shmo selves. Got more leaves out of the box than in. Oh, who am I kidding, they're not leaves anymore, it's mulch.

Giz looks rediculous with his new fur coat coming in, but he was very playful today. He's such a trooper! I smeared some diaper rash cream on his little sores. They look like they're healing up, so I wouldn't put anything else on it, just watch to make sure they're not red and inflamed or getting bigger.

Sophie and Herc were lots of fun today. Sophie's toe is just fine :D

Chubby and Logan look like they've gotten over their funk. They're much more playful now. They like the ping pong ball box.

Laura and Gloria were very cute, they played lots and had lots of fun.

Juniper is a very playful little lady! She likes the ball box too.

Inge is the new lady. She's actually quite playful, explored lots. Keep an eye on her, I saw her vulva a bit enlarged. Possible adrenal.

Nothing else too new. Tommy and Herc both got to come out again and meet new friends. Both were suckups :D

Until 2 weeks from now!

Aggie

Monday November 26, 2007 Report

The Monday Night Report

Lots of fun last evening with the shelter ferrets.

Tommy and Bailey enjoyed rolling around in the box of leaves. Bailey hopped right in and lay on his back yawning lazily for a good couple of minutes before being joined by Tommy. They wrestled a little but mostly just tossed leaves out of the box for Amanda and I to sweep up.

Juniper was very active and a lot of fun to play with. Both Amanda and I had a go at her and she was up for it. She didn’t bite me even once, not even in play. Definitely a good candidate for adoption.

Gizmo is the most pathetic looking ferret at the shelter. There is a small Christmas stocking in the toy bin that he c. When I sat down he crawled up the front of my shirt and onto my shoulder. Just a short jump and over the gate he went -, right into my wife’s purse. Amanda and I notice what appears to be a rash of some sort on him. On second thought I’m not sure if its from excessive scratching. Please keep an eye on Gizmo.

Laura dooked the entire she was out. Gloria was a troublemaker all night. She especially annoyed Chubby by climbing his cage and then hanging there. She got bitten on her right, front paw for her effort. Both Laura and Gloria took turns chewing on my arms and I took turns making them eat their own bums – we all had fun.

Sophie and Hercules were like night and day last evening. Sophie burst out of the cage and had a major run around while Herc was a little on the quiet side. To say Sophie has a lot of energy is a major understatement.

Last, but not least, Logan and Chubby. Not very active at all last night. They crawled into the soft cube and promptly went to sleep. They came out for a TD each. Chubby then went to sleep in the old cage by the garage door and Logan rummaged around in the towels on top of it.

Robert Rose

Sunday at the shelter

Hi everyone,

We had a great day at the shelter today. The highlight of my day was when Chubby did a mini war dance. Logan insisted on giving me kisses for quite a while.

Gizmo is was energetic today and seems to growing some new fur. He is still a bit thin but that is accentuated by the lack of fur.

The rest of the kids had a great time. I moved Juniper into the main ferret room, Below Gizmo. Inge is expected back to the shelter today so I thought it might be less stressful if she was in a room without all the other ferret smells.

Tommy, Bailey and Gloria are having surgery on Wednesday so keep the positive vibes coming.

Weights were taken. We have 3 bags of litter , lots of paper towels.

Have a great week
Olympia

Saturday report

Hello everyone.

Today was fine, everyone was out and everyone was happy.

Bailey and Tommy were out first with Laura and Gloria. Both groups
were crazy and playful. Tommy is such a sweetheart and kept coming to
me to be picked up, then would run around and play with Bailey. Bailey
just loves to play :).

Laura and Gloria, I've fallen in love with. They play so much and
Gloria always give me kisses, Laura was following me around and
biting my socks, then trying to go in the tube with them lol.

Then I had Logan and Chubby out with Sophie and Herc. Both Sophie and
Herc went crazy with the leaf box! Sophie would bury herself under
them and Herc would jump on top of them. Most of there play was in the
leaf box.

Logan and Chubby weren't to active, but Logan gave lots of kisses and
would play with me when I played with him, also played with Chubby.
Chubby likes playing tug a war with the toys and jumps on my lap to be
pet.

And then Gizmo with Juniper. Gizmo was so full of energy! Woke up
while Logan/Chubby/Sophie/Herc were out and didn't go back to sleep
till 10 minutes after I put him back to bed. He played the whole time
and ran around and played, and was just a big cutie.

Juniper is one cute fuzzy. Very playful, and really loves to play with
people. She likes sitting on shoulders and being dragged around on the
floor on or in a blanket/sleeping sack.

I believe that was it. Have a good weekend everyone :)

Ali

Inge

Hi everyone.

Inge is doing well. She's returning to the shelter tomorrow.

She has a small appetite, but put on weight with 2 feedings per day of chicken baby food - ony accepted if it was warm.

Inge has lovely manners. She drinks from a water bowl - no spills. I didn't even try her on a water bottle.

As for litter pans, she has 4 thoughts. Good for doing her business #1 and #2. Good for digging in. Good for pushing around. Good for hollowing out a small depression to curl up and sleep in (this applies only to pans that are not being used for business #1 and #2).

She chuckles a lot when roaming around and giggles when you play with her. She loves to play in a really large bag, filled with more bags. With a hole in the bottom of the large bag, she soon learned she could enter/exit from either end. (I'm sure she'll love the box of leaves at the shelter.) She enjoys tubes, but she absolutely loves squeak toys. We do the grab and stash routine ... I squeak a toy, she grabs/dashes/stashes then comes back looking for the next one to grab ... she'll nip when I grab the toys from her stash.

Inge was a bit of a biter when I first took her home (broke skin and drew blood). After a couple of weeks, she became very comfortable with us and her biting lessened. She still bites during play, but not as hard.

Inge eats paper ! So please watch her, if she gets on the cage that has the volunteer sheets.

Best of all, Inge gives kisses.

...Nancy

Monday Report

Hi Everyone

Logan and Chubby - they still have very soft poops and there was a green one
in their litter box. Hanna had them out before I got there so she was
playing with them.

Sophie & Hercules - Hercules poop was fine last night when I did his litter
box. Sophie still has some soft poops. Both were active and playful and
had a great time in the leave box.

Tommy and Bailey - Tommy's poops were ok Bailey had some soft ones. Both
were their usual crazy playful selves. They also enjoyed playing in the
leave box.

Laura and Gloria - these two are so cute. Both were playful and active.
They had some ok poops and some soft ones. Unfortunately I didn't see
either one of them go outside the cage so I don't know which one is still
doing the soft poops.

Gizmo - our sweet bald little guy. He was very active. He shared my dinner
last night. He likes roast chicken breast. His poops were actually ok
which surprised me.

Juniper - she's cute but watch those teeth. She talked non-stop and loves
to play wrestling in the blanket. If I remember correctly her poops were a
little soft.

All the blankets, towels, etc in the cages have been changed. All the
litter boxes were dumped, scrubbed and fresh litter put in. Unfortunately I
could only get three bags of ferret litter but I didn't have to open any of
them last night. I forgot to pick up more paper towels but we still have
six rolls in storage and a full roll in each playroom so we should be ok
until my next shift.

Tanya

Saturday Report

Firstly, if anyone has been on the website in the last few days then I sincerely apologize for the mess in the adoption section. I tried to add some pictures and they sort of went all over the place. Looks like that part of my education still has room to improve. It will get there, so be patient.

To the ferrets then.

I got to the shelter early to do some work on the upstairs computer but couldn’t, due to bodies all over the place so I let Juniper out and let her run in the garage room. A tip, close the door to the house, it’s warmer. Juniper is very attentive to whistles, it really gets her attention. This little lady really loves to play with hands, she also doesn’t bite but does use her teeth so gently it is like a caress. Also like some people I have known she is very ticklish on the ribs. Squirms and kicks to get down then comes right back at you. Be careful though, she has that look of giving a playful nose nip if given half the chance, and NO she did not get me. She also has a fascination with pant legs and will tunnel up your pants if given the opportunity. She chatters a bit while playing and there is ample evidence of some tail wagging in the tube. A real joy waiting to be adopted.




Sorry, second picture is not as complimentary as a lady would like.

At this point Bonnie arrived and took Tommy and Bailey into the garage room while I got to have out Chubby and Logan. These are two very nice guys. They have coats, others would love to have. Long thick and luxuriant, but underneath they are both quite small and a bit skinny, I can feel every rib they have as well as every joint down their backs. Chubby still nips in playing but never hard, and it is playing. Logan, unless provoked is a quiet little fellow, and just wanders around exploring every nook and cranny. Both these boys will follow you all around the room while you doing the cleanouts, they just want lots of attention. I don’t think they like the lack of 24 hour attention they probably got where they were. All-in-all, a couple of really nice 4+ year old ferrets.

Oh!, I forgot to mention, at home we filled up a box of maple leaves for our ferrets from our front yard, and Bonnie brought it in with her. Well, we tried Chubby and Logan in and they enjoyed the enrichment.



Tommy and Bailey also got the same treatment but I am sorry I did not get pics of this. When first brought in Juniper was still out so Bonnie brought Tommy in and put him in the box. Juniper came over and jumped in as well without realising another ferret was in there. She fluffed, screamed and went for poor unsuspecting Tommy. At that point she went back to her cage. Tommy came out of the leaf box and explored the room a bit. I then gave Bailey over to Bonnie and he joined Tommy. Bonnie thought she would try again to see if Juniper would go with the two bots after a little bit of introduction. More screams from Juniper and the two boys had the best bottle brushes I have seen in years. Juniper was not left out with the boys. She was toned and went to bed. Both boys, once they had gotten used to it, loved the leaf box. Tommy’s poops were not the best, he was given hair ball tonic, but please keep and eye on him, and give him some tonic. Tanya, we may need some hairball tonic, it’s that time of year for some moulting.

Laura and Gloria came out with me next. Both just love that leaf box. If I have time I will get a whole paper sack of them and let them really dry out and then bring them in to the shelter.




Both the girls had hairball tonic. Gloria just loves playing with hands and will put her teeth on you but not hard, almost backs away when she realizes she has a finger in her mouth. She just loves all the attention you can give her.

In the other room, Bonnie had Herc and Sophie out. As Bonnie says, Sophie had a blast today. She actually played a lot with Hercules while they were both in the leaf box. Jumping on him and burrowing. I went in and found them both on top of the cage in the garage room, both wrapped up in the blanket that had been left there.



If that isn’t a couple, then what is. She seems to be accepting vene more than before. No longer just tolerating him but preffering his company Bonnie thinks that the smell of the outdoors really brought out the spirit of fun in Sophie..



Doesn’t Hercules colour really show well against a leafy background? And finally after we had a bite to eat, I went up stairs to work on the computer and Bonnie brought out Gizmo. He is quite active in exploring everything about him. He also got into the leaves.



He certainly is bald, but acts well, only likes to burrow in the blankets, we suspect, to keep warm. Without a coat he could feel the cooler air in the basement much more.

On top of his cage is a small container of soft moist food which he really likes and it would help “fatten” him up and make him feel better. Please keep us all informed if he continues to like it and Bonnie will bring in some more for him.

To Tanya, the last bag of litter has just been put into the bin, so they will need more in next few days.

And finally, check this out, it makes cleaning cages easier, the Ferret Nation cages will support the litter bag bin.



It just hooks there. Another note in the spirit of using less litter. Try scraping the clean litter away from the wet and poopy stuff and only scoop the dirty litter. I think a lot of clean litter is being recycled.

That just about wraps it up for Saturday. The rest of the pictures will end up on the web site.

Nigel and Bonnie.

Freckles

Hi Everyone,

As you all know Freckles has not been doing well so Brit took her home to give her extra loving care. Let’s hope she can fight her way back.

Thanks so much Brit!
Olympia

just another lazy tuesday afternoon

So, quick and easy peasy.

Everyone was great, Gizmo looks pathetic in his new leather jacket,
but is still very playful, took his meds just dandy, incision looks great.

Freckles doesn't look so hot. Sue came by and fed her and gave her
fluids and she perked up a bit.

Chubby and Logan has nasty seedy poops. I saw that Debbie said they
had green slimy poops? Weren't they at the shelter when we had ECE a
few years ago? Weird. They went with Randy for a tv spot appearance.
Little superstars.

Everyone else was just fine.

Sophie, the little brat, got over anything I used to block her off.
(Nigel, you'll be so proud) I rigged up a little something around the
door that will keep ferrets in. There's a piece I left by the door
that gets put in as the baby gate is closing. I also put a piece of
plywood by the door in the garage so that if by chance the door gets
opened, you wont have ferrets immediately booking it under the shelf.

That's bout it. Tootloo!

Aggie

Robbie update

Hi Olympia,

It's been a while since you've gotten an update so I thought I'd pass along a few recent pics of the little guy. He is still doing wonderfully!

I hope yours are too! What ever happened to his "sister"? Such a sweetie! Did she go to a home or did you guys end up keeping her?

I hope all is well!

Bye for now.

Debra (and Robbie )

Bubba

Bubba came to our shelter almost 3 years ago with his brother Tut and 2 sisters Memset & Tiye. I was always worried about having to split them up in order to get them all into homes. I mean, no one in their right mind would adopt four ferrets at once!! Well, I was wrong. A WONDERFUL couple came to our shelter and fell in love with the group. Tony & Inge assured me that having four kids was a dream for them.

Sadly, Tut passed quite suddenly after a short illness just after going home but the other kids thrived. In Inge's words the story of her kids and her 'newbies' adopted from our Canada Day rescue.

I am so sad to share with you all that dear Bubba passed away late last night. He'll be sadly missed by his mum & dad as well as many of our volunteers and by me. Fly to the angels little Bubba. We all love you very much!! Tony & Inge, MANY thanks for loving this boy (and the others) and giving them all a second chance at a beautiful and happy life. I will forever be thankful to you both.

Randy

Sunday at the shelter

Hi everyone,

We had a good day at the shelter with the exception of Freckles, she is not feeling well. She has lost weight, she is very dehydrated, very weak, and was grinding her teeth. I fed her chicken baby food twice, gave her Sulcrufate and Randy and I sub-Q her but she is still very weak. She seemed to get worse after she stopped the antibiotics so Randy will start her up again. Please keep a close eye on her.

Bailey and Tommy were out first and surprisingly were well behaved and did not fight with each other.

Hercules and Sophie were out next. Herc was very playful today and Sophie did not bite me once. Sophie did escape to the upstairs and got into the garbage can so she had a bath.

Chubby and Logan were very mellow and I imagine still getting use to the shelter life. Chubby did do a very runny poop when he was out.

Gloria and Laura were very playful, especially Laura.

Gizmo was very quiet. He walked around for a few minutes but went back to bed after that.

Juniper was quite active and eager for attention. I had her out for quite a while and near the end she started to sneeze a lot.

Nigel, the scale is broken so I was not able to weigh anyone.

Take care,
Olympia

update on Drew

Hi Olympia

The bonding between Gizmo and Drew goes better each day.

She loves the leaves, she can be so playful,sometimes just by herself when Gizmo is still sleeping.They are all in little pieces now,so I have to go out and get a new batch.

We took her outside the other day,with this new leash it goes very well,she can't get out.She wasn't sure in the beginning but after a while,she started to appreciate it.

Take Care!
Marielle

Tony the ferret

Many of you know that ferrets Tony & Inge came in this past weekend. Tony was put on the priority list for surgery yesterday when the vet found he had a cigar sized, very hard hair ball in his intestine. We were quoted about $700 for the emergency surgery.

 

Today, during surgery, the vet called me and informed me that not only was there a hairball, there were also multiple insulinomas, a VERY large, black right adrenal gland and a very enlarged left adrenal gland. I was told to take care of all his immediate needs, surgery would exceed $1,000 and the vet wasn't sure he would survive well after surgery. She suggested I euthanize.

 

Tony has now crossed the rainbow bridge. In all honesty, it wasn't because I was fearful he wouldn't do well after surgery. We have no money. We have 6 or 7 other ferrets needing surgery now. 2 of which are urgent. I hate having to make these choices because we have no fucking money. I need a break too but it will never come.

 

I'm sorry for Inge who must now be left alone. I'm sorry for Nancy who took these kids in until ADV tests could be done. I'm sorry I don't have all the money in the world for these kids but mostly I'm sorry that I failed this kid, who was found abandon outside a school and didn't ever find real love. I'm just really fucking sorry.

 

 

Miss Randy Melanie Belair

President

The Ferret Aid Society

www.ferretaid.org

 

Join the IFC Ferret Aid list! Get the info FIRST!

IFC_FerretAid-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

 

 

Ferret Aid 2006 photos

http://www.ferretaid.org/events/ferret_aid_2006.html

 

 

 

 

Sunday at the shelter

It was a busy Sunday at the shelter. We had someone come in to check us out and possibly volunteer, two adoption appointments and a cage dropped off to the shelter. We certainly need the extra cage, we are busting at the seams. We have 3 ferrets waiting to come in, two are at Nancy’s and a young girl I named Juniper is at the animal control in Toronto. Poor thing is in the same room as two chickens, one pigeon and one very yappy young dog. I don’t know how she is going to manage for another two weeks until her ADV results come back.

Bailey and Tommy were their usual crazy selves but very well behaved for our new volunteer. Bailey trashed his cage after I put him in so at the end he won and got a second run. Tommy has turned out to be quite the cuddle bunny and just sat in people’s arms as they pet him.

Gloria and Laura were out next. Laura does not like the sound of squeaky toys and got all freaked out when our new volunteer used it and jumped up and bit his face.

Sophie’s poop was really slimy and green. She was really quiet and I was told that she threw up the day before. I think she is losing weight so keep a close eye on her. Her buddy Hercules was doing well and was his goofy cute self.

Dora is growing some fur on her back and I hope she keeps it up. However her funny sneeze is still there so I took Nancy’s advice and put a bowl of water in her cage. I wonder how long the water will stay in the bowl. She went to the vet last Monday and her heart and lungs sound good and the blood work came back normal so I am hoping the sneeze will go away. She was quite bouncy and playful today and impressed the couple that came to hopefully adopt.

Gizmo was not as needy today as he usually is. He explored both rooms and seemed quite interested in the new cage. He is going in for his distemper booster on Tuesday and some blood work and the following Tuesday he is going into High Park for adrenal surgery.

I thought Freckles was in good spirits today, she seemed less agitated and more interested in exploring. She started out in the second ferret room and decided to bring all the toys from one corner to the other, which kept her busy for 30 minutes as she was slowing down I changed the rooms and she perked up again. I am happy to see that she is growing a bit of fur on her body and maybe with a Lupron shot we will see more fur. Her blood work was not so positive so now she is on antibiotics to see if they help her. Poor Randy has to give her meds twice a day.

Chubby and Logan are such sweet gentle boys and they are so soft. Today they got a bigger hammock since they love sleeping together in it. I let them run back and forth between the two ferret rooms since they were the last out and they enjoyed it. They went to sleep after a while and so I woke them up and tried to motivate them but I think they are still trying to understand why they are at the shelter.

Supplies – We need litter and paper towels

Laundry – the laundry container is full of dirty laundry

Tools – all the tools, screws, drills and the rest of the stuff on the counter was placed in a bin. The clear bin is the space below the stairs where all the left over flooring is.

Last Sunday I picked up a little girl I named Drew from Oakville Humane. She was adopted the same day by a wonderful family with a big blond beautiful male ferret named Gizmo. She doing great and I have also attached a few very cute pictures of her.

Lucky girl!

News

Have a few things to tell everyone! Aggie is BACK. Nothing makes me happier, you all know how much I have missed her since she has been in SK. Aggie is back and has taken over Shannan's Tuesday shifts for now. WELCOME BACK Aggie!!! :)

We also have a new volunteer who is taking every other Saturday so Bonnie & Nigel can get the much needed break they deserve. Ali has ferrets and came in last week for training. Ali did very well and you can see how much she enjoys the kids :) Welcome Ali and we hope you enjoy your stay with us!!!

I've received a few private e-mails from some of you in regards to Olympia's needing some time off. Yes, it's true and it's been a long time coming. Olympia has been doing most of the out-of-shelter tasks for a few years now and we all know how overwhelming that can be. She is not leaving the Board of Directors and will still be at the shelter every other Sunday but she is needing some time for herself which she isn't getting by doing all the vet runs, checking phone messages and going out to Animal Controls to ADV test and pick up ferrets PLUS helping me with adoptions. She isn't sure how long she will be on break but we all know she deserves it and all of us support her in her efforts to have a more normal life :)

This is where I need you all to come in. I don't drive and can not afford to taxi to and from the vet or various animal control shelters. I'll begin posting when ferrets need picking up etc very soon and I hope some of you will be able to help. Many thanks to Nancy for offering help with vet runs already.

As of today, I am very nervous. There are 2 ferrets in Brampton that NEED to be picked up by Saturday or they will be killed. They are not ADV tested and I'm at a loss of what to do. Do ANY of you know someone who may be able to hold onto these ferrets until the ADV test results come in? It would have to be a ferret free home. If they end up at our shelter they will have to be fully caged until the results come back. I also need someone to pick them up and bring them here from Brampton. If anyone is available for that, please let me know too. There is also a man with 7 ferrets and a ferret at Toronto animal control and another at Hamilton needing to come in. We have no room and no funds for these kids. High Park may be able to do a few adrenal surgeries at cost for us (about $300) which may be of help.

On another note, Tina, our London shelter mom is thinking of having a get together nearer to Christmas. She'll be in touch with us about it when she firms up a date. I think we could all use a party and some 'lighter' times. I sure know I could.

Miss Randy Belair

Saturday, Oct. 20th report

First let me introduce you to a small friend from my past, his name is Chico, but because he was so small, we called him Chicinho, or little Chico. His previous owner had tied a cord around his waist and then had him climb the mango trees and then they would yank him back when he had a mango in his hands. As he grew from a youngster, they never adjusted the cord and he had it grow into his skin around his waist. This was my first rescue. He cost me about $5 as I had to buy him to help him.

This is Chico.

He stands 15” high.

Now to the shelter and today.

Gloria and Laura were first out in the main room and then Tommy and Bailey were out with Bonnie in the garage room. Both these two G & L love to play and try to drag hands and fingers in to the tubes, and guess what, to do that they have to nip and pull. They are still very gentle even in play. Sorry, no pictures of the girls this week nor of Tommy and Bailey.

The two boys were as rambunctious as always, Bonnie and I think they are the first cousins of our Higgins & Burke. Only not quite so rambunctious. Higgins is becoming a holy terror as he recovers from his illness. Tommy and Bailey love to rough and tumble, especially if you leave them alone for a bit. Anti-boredom activity.

In the cage Tommy’s poops looked Ok but he did a really soft diarrhea like poop while out. Bailey on the other hand had a very soft (runny) poop in his litter which could be smelled from across the room. Seems like we may have poop issues in the shelter.

Gizmo came out next in the garage room and Dora was out in the main room. Gizmo had visitors, prospects, but unfortunately, they were very un-ferret savvy and had to be asked to learn a bit more before trying again. It was pointed out how expensive these little guys can be. So Gizmo stays for awhile. He will have his surgery and then grow his gorgeous coat again and be a real winner in the glamour stakes.

Dora stayed with me in the main room with me. She really is such a sweetie and so gentle and needs such a deal of attention. I did notice that she had only one very very small poop in her litter. She was also coughing quite a bit. This in no way affected her activity level which is high when she has someone to interact with. She did at one point vomit, projectile vomit, clear to very slightly brownish, no hair in it. It shot 2 feet from her mouth. Please keep and eye on her. I find she loves pick-ups but not for long which seems about par for the course for ferrets. If she doesn’t get put down when she wants, she can really squirm and will try to wiggle her way down.

Here is a couple of shots of Dora.

Could anyone resist this little girl.

Two ferrets came back into the shelter today, they were Chubby and Logan. Chubby and Logan first came to the Shelter in March 2004 and stayed with us till Aug. 2004. They were two very special little guys. Gentle but playful. Chubby used to lick out our yogurt containers. Well they arrived back and we were stunned at the condition of these two. They are gorgeous, the softest, richest coats you could imagine. They looked great. Can’t understand how someone could give them up. They are now about 4 ½ years old. Chubby plays with balls, and will take liberties if you hold him too near your face when he wants down, that hasn’t changed if I remember correctly. Logan just doesn’t know how to nip. Logan has beautiful red eyes, unusual for a sable. Chubby used to be a silver, but many of this ilk he has lightened up to be a slightly streaky looking DEW. Just Gorgeous. Here they are.


Hercules and Sophie out next, or rather at same time, other room with Bonnie. Both very playful with good activity levels. Sorry again no photos. Wrong room.

Lastly out came Freckles.

Her litter was very wet again, far more pee than normal for a single ferret. Poops soft as well. And a bit seedy. She is reported to be drinking huge amounts of water. I think she is going in next week for checks.

Freckles seems to like the samba stuffed toy on top of her cage. She dragged it into the cube and curled up with it. She seems agitated all the time, can’t seem to slow down.

That’s all for now. There will not be Saturday report next week as after 6 ½ years some has volunteered to do every other Saturday. So we two have to now wrack our brains for something to do on every other Saturday. I am sure that will evoke some comments.

I do have a request for Olympia if you can, the guys will still needs weighing each week so if you shift is on our off week then could you take the weights and mark on the sheets, also could you compare with the previous weeks weights to see if we have problems.

That’s really it, or I will be accused of rambling on.

Bonnie and Nigel