The shelter is not quite so broke -- still could use donations, though

The ferret who we thought needed surgery turned out to have a raging case of IBD. We would rather have been able to do surgery and fix him. This diagnosis means he'll be doctoring a lot longer than if he'd just been operated on and something removed. He's doing a little better, but by no means recovered.

We had a shelter fundraiser dinner, which was a great success (and fun, too). Thanks to everyone who attended and/or sent a donation. Your kind support of the shelter is very much appreciated.

We're out of the woods for now, but if the economy (and adoptions) don't pick up, we will unfortunately run out of money again quickly enough. We won't hold back care to any of the older ferrets here who need it, at least for as long as the money holds out. We'll be back begging for donations long before the oldsters go without care!

If anyone would like to help the shelter, but don't have the cash to make a donation, consider offering something for sale on eBay (a couple artists have already raised over $200 for the shelter by offering their services). Or, if you have something ferret-related that someone might want in a raffle, we could assemble a basket to raffle off either on eBay or at a ferret show. The type of things that go well are handmade items like bedding, decorations, artwork, etc.

If anyone out there has any good fundraising ideas, I'd be happy to hear them. Please keep in mind that I need someone to run them -- I'm overwhelmed as it is working full time and running the shelter.

Special Foster Home Needed for Nervous Ferret

We got a little deaf ferret in (under 6 months of age) who had been neglected and perhaps abused in his original home. Since he's been at the shelter, he's gotten MUCH better about nipping. He will still nip at ankles if you ignore him and fingers if you dangle them in front of his face, but he's turning into a sweet little boy.

He has calmed down in his cage since we discovering that putting a blanket over the front made him much calmer. We call him Buddha Bird now :) He is BEAUTIFUL champagne blaze male ferret. Utterly gorgeous. He's very small for a male. He is highly interested in people and wants to explore the room and get up on things, and will use people as a bridge. He has learned to come and stare at you to get a treat. We've started teaching him signs, but he seems to think everything is irrelevant.

He needs a home who can give him his own play time. He is terrified of other ferrets and immediately screams and attacks. He might be a bit brain-damaged, but it's hard to tell. He has the potential of being extremely sweet, as he will give kisses and the only time he nips is when he's down and excited and wants your attention.

I am willing to pay for any vet care needed if the foster home can work with this little boy. Please contact the shelter if you think you can take on this very special assignment. I think with some love and time he will relax, and this has the potential for being a very rewarding experience. There is just nothing like seeing a ferret learn how to play.

UPDATE: Buddha has started to play with a toy! He likes the medicine bottle with coins in it! He pushes it with his nose and drags it backwards. We felt like having a party!!

Please send email to rescue@ferret-hide-e-hole.org if you're interested.

Need Foster Homes for Old Ferrets

We have some ferrets who are older and on medication who really need a foster home so they can have the attention they deserve. You would need to give them meds twice a day and feed them duck soup. It's very rewarding caring for the old ones. They're very grateful for the attention, and often not only tolerate being held but enjoy a nice cuddle now and then.

Please send email to rescue@ferret-hide-e-hole.org if you're interested in becoming one of the very special foster homes.

Hide-E-Hole Wish List now on Amazon.com!

Many people would like to help the shelter, but aren't sure how. Now, there is an easier way! Go to www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/WQOC6XSSJXVR to view the Hide-E-Hole's wish list! Some things are very expensive but others are under $10. Please consider making a donation and helping the ferrets! Items will be removed as the wishes are fulfilled and other items added, so please check back from time to time.

Fleas Kill!

Fleas are not just a summer problem. If you get them into your carpet or furniture, the problem can continue for quite a while into the winter.

Frontline is the best treatment (kitten dose) and is available at Pet Supplies Plus, at the vet's office or over the Internet. Fleas by themselves can kill a ferret, and ticks are even worse. When they bite, they snack on the ferret's blood. Since ferrets are so small, it doesn't take long for the fleas and/or ticks to cause anemia and possible infection.

If you see fleas or ticks on your ferret, take care of them immediately. Do not use flea baths or chemicals (sprays, wipes or spot-ons) made by Hartz or other "discount" companies. (i.e. don't use BioSpot, for one) Flea collars don't work well, and can make the ferrets sick.

The only flea killers we consider safe for ferrets are Frontline, Revolution, or Advantage.

Holiday Party and Gift Boxes for Shelters Event

Join us at the Three Rivers Ferret Council monthly meeting from 1:00-4:00. This month will be the big holiday party as well as wrapping and packing gifts donated for local shelters. We have a lot of fun! Go to www.3rfc.org for information and directions.

Ferret to be on CMT's "My Big Redneck Wedding"

Country Music Television contacted us to borrow a ferret for the "gifting" scene where the bride and groom give each other gifts. The groom wanted to give his new bride a ferret, but there was no time to obtain one. They borrowed one of mine for the filming. We used my huge baby ferret, Geronimo (since he would show up against the backdrop of monster trucks!).

It was filmed at Yankee Lake Truck Night and is supposed to be aired on January 9, 2009. We'll keep you posted if the date changes.

Here is a link to an article I wrote about the filming, complete with (somewhat fuzzy) photos of the event: www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp