Sooo....

Everyone has been adopted out--and all seem to be doing very well. I went to visit Dudelee (his name is now Krechure) this weekend and he was hilarious!! He is in a house with 1 dog and 3 cats--and doing very well. It's a perfect fit for him--he gets animal compionship without the stress of being with another ferret (he was prob attacked and that's why he attacks other ferrets) He remembered me, but has obviously settled in very well with his new family.

Levi and Pippi (now Pippin) left on Friday--Pippin is a completley different girl-her fur is beautiful and she's got some good heft to her. As of Friday, Levi was barely biting. I had he and Pippin downstairs with the rest of my guys and he interacted with Rich and I with no problem. I could pick him up and give him kisses while he was just wondering around the room--the only time I really had to watch out for him was when he got really wound up and wanted to play--as I could usually read when that was going to happen. His new Mama sent me pics over the weekend of him and he had already made friends with one of her guys (same energy leven) they were all snuggling. I can't wait to see how far they've both come when they come to visit me for Christmas.

Uno and Twitch have totally settled in and have their new mama wrapped around their paws....

Blazor and Turbo are at Diane's and doing well--except Blazor has a cough that I've been concerned about since I got him (he gets it off and on and we have mentioned it to the vet) Loki is going in for her recheck on Wednesday, so I am bringing him with us so he can have a chest x-ray.

Goliath and Meelo are doing FANTASTIC--Goliath is a little (he he--he's a horse) Weasley ambassador--he is four lbs of energetic, friendly highly amusing fuzziness-Meelo is very handsome, but would be HORRIFIED interacting with a bunch of people he didn't know since he's still pretty shy with strangers.

Loki is hanging in there--her lymph nodes are now huge, but she still seems bright eyed and comfortable--I am just continueing to keep an eagle eye on her.....

Coyle now has his winter weight and coat and he is my little Polar Weasle again...

Freckles (my rehabbed biter) thinks he is a dog--he lays next to me on the futon--and gives me doggy kisses

Kawzy is doing Ok--although, he is getting bald patches on his back (he's showing adrenal symptoms) so, he will be going into the vet for a Melatonin implant--but he and ZuZu still meander around the room (and were playing in the tubes the other day)

Broken Heart....

There has been alot going on with the OH guys-and I will post on that in the near future--but there is some information I wanted to share now.

In four days, I have lost 2 of my ferrets--not foster ferrets, My ferrets.

On Tuesday, when I was at obedience, there was a horrible accident-Cali was under the futon and must have jumped up right when Rich sat down (very bad timing) When I got home, I got everyone out for their nightly soup and I found her--she was gone. Of course, Rich is beside himself--not to mention how hysterical I was when I found my one year baby girl dead. She was my little bouncy baby girl--she was the one who got everyone playing--who would poke her little head out and rub her nose on my ankle. She is the one who got everyone started running laps on the futon at 5:00 AM.

On Wednesday night--Dusty started to get really sick--all the vets were closed and none of the emergency vets around here are well versed in supportive care for ferrets-so I knew that there was nothing they would really do, that Diane and I couldn't do (and by the way she was presenting, we both thought it was some kind of really bad dental abscess) . So, we nursed her--fed her every couple of hours, got her fever down and kept her comfortable. I brought her to the Dr this morning (not any of my normal vets because none of them were in the office) and she was diagnosed with Lymphoma--and she was critical, so I helped her to the bridge.

Normally, I am very spiritual, truly believing that no matter what happens--even if we don't understand it, it happens for a reason. I didn't question it after I got diagnosed, after I lost Dutchy, or even when we thought we were going to lose my father. After Tuesday night, I was having ALOT of trouble with that. I was very angry--I just couldn't see what the reason could possibly be. One of my friends had said to me, that there just be someone at the bridge who needs her really badly right now and I told her that she could be right, but I just wasn't there yet. I didn't stop to think about how prophetic her words would be.

Well, there was someone who needed her really badly--she needed to be there to pave the way for her introverted more reserved sister. Cali was an extrovert--and apparently Dusty needed her to hold her paw at the bridge until Mama could get there.

So, they will be cremated together, and I am going to have a friend fashion them in clay, with wings cuddling together.

Rest in peace my babies--I'm sorry that you both had to go so soon, but I thank you for coming into my life and being my weasies. I miss you both more than words could possibly describe.

I will hold you both in my heart until we meet again.

Loki's new love affair....

SO, I brought Meelo and Goliath downstairs to the rest of my group and everyone seems to be getting along. Coyle seems a little withdrawn (but that makes sense, because he was the Alpha until Goliath came along) the funny thing is that Goliath is a much nicer Alpha than Coyle was... LOL So, am just giving him extra hugs and kisses so he knows that he is still Mama's little boy. The thing that is AMAZING to me is that Loki LOVES Meelo and Goliath (you know, my little girl who even when she was healthy had the attitude of "why did you have to bring HIM home-you had me!!" )

She was in their little hidey box yesterday with Goliath--he was laying on his back and she was GROOMING him!! And then last night, she was in the box snuggled with Meelo and Goliath (Diane thinks she's making friends with "the big boys" so they will protect her from Freckles...LOL) Although, she and Freckles were in the box together (with Callie) a couple days ago without incident...

Levi also is doing well (today--LOL) I am able to touch him and pat his head when he is out in the room without him even opening his mouth to me--it's only when he is really playing and wound up (and I even play with him with my hands and he's mostly ok--I can usually read him when he's about to get overstimulated --although, that doesn't mean that I'm always quick enouph!!)

When I came upstairs a little while ago, Twitch was outside of the room on the stairs, Just standing there...--I think coming to look for me.... I have NO idea how he got out of the playpen--but, from now on, the door stays closed even if they are locked in the playpen.... Right now I am sitting on floor leaning on the spare bed--Twitch is on the bed and every so often he comes over and sticks his nose in my hair and rubs the side of my face. For all of his getting into everything, he is a very nice boy.

Pippy still chases the boys if they mess with her (which is still absolutely HYSTERICAL) and Uno just hangs out and dances around the room.

Dudelee is doing OK in his new home--but seems to be missing me. :-( But I made some suggestions that might help and he is in good hands...

The lymph nodes on Loki's neck seem to be getting significantly bigger-but, she still is acting like she feels better than a couple of months ago. Unfortunatley, I think that she is going to start going downhill more quickly--but at our last appt, the Vet thought I should schedule her recheck for a month out (not two weeks) So, I'm going to just keep loving her up and much as possible...

Dudelee

SO, Dudelee is in his new home. She brought him home yesterday. He actually warmed up to her pretty quickly which made me feel good. I cried when they left (but fortunately, I was able to wait until AFTER they were out the door) I feel like I gave my little boo boo away. Now, last night--I would have gleefully given Levi away (I was just thinking how good he was doing and then he nailed me TWICE!!!) I told him that HE WAS NOT A NICE BOY!! That NICE BOYS do kisses on Mama!!!! But he didn't seem to care and giggled at me. So then I told him that when noone got soup, they could ask him why!! Then I went downstairs and made them their soup anyway. LOL

Loki and Dusty were just playing in a pillowcase with eachother and me!! You go Loki. I am determined to enjoy every moment like this that I can, because I don't know how much longer I will have them.

Peace Out.

Unlike most days at the Bridge....

Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.
It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.
Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this ferret had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old ferret and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.
With no place else to turn, the poor elderly ferret looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.
One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him.
"That poor ferret was a rescue, sent to the shelter when his owner grew tired of him. The way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the shelter.. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the rescuel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."
The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"
As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly ferret, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.
From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.
The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"
"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."
"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.
"So does God," was the reply. --Author Unknown--

The point of a shelter....

OK, I know the point of a shelter is to take in needy animals and then find good homes for them--but I am having a hard time even thinking of letting go of any of these guys. I guess that's why typically I am a good foster home for the Hospice guys-I never have to let them go to another person--just GOD and he certainly is as qualified to take care of them as I am!!

If everything goes well, Dudelee may be going to a new home tomorrow--and although she seems like a really good fit for him--my overprotective non-rational side wants to make her sign in blood that she will treat him the SAME EXACT WAY that I did--which, I know is completely unreasonable.

and I'm just Sad about him leaving. Just had to get that out, so I can move on.

So, now that things have settled down a little bit....

Now that things have settled down a little bit, I've had more opportunity to work with Dudelee. He is HILARIOUS!! and I truly believe that he will flourish in a weasel free house. We now have a potention foster parent/adopter for him--I met her last night and really liked her. She also very involved with dogs and cats. She is going to meet him on Saturday and we will see how it goes.

He is getting much more comfortable coming to me, while he is free in the room. He used to evade capture at all costs when free--but now I can periodically pick him up, give and kisses and put him back down to go about his business (which is one of my ways of training that that hands are not bad--and so they know that just because I pair of hands "caught them" doesn't mean it's time to go back in the cage) He is very engaging--and if I just lay on the floor, he will come and crawl up my back. He actually gave me kisses when I picked him up!!

Interestingly, I had a dream last night where there were these little reptilian like monsters who kept nipping at my feet and eating my stuff--even in the dream, I kept saying "I don' t understand why I am the only one they go for" Well, when I woke up and thought about it, I realized that you don't really need freud to figure this one out--aparently, even my sub-concious is sick of having my feet nibbled on..... LOL Hilariously, there were only two little bitey monsters--hmmm...I'm surprised they weren't named Pippy and Levi--because the dream was sooooo obvious!!!!

Turbo and Blazor are doing really well at Diane's--we gave everyone baths (including her guys) so everyone smelled the same--and it's changed the whole dynamic of her business (business is what a group of ferrets is called) Her freshies aren't fresh anymore--they know who the new Alpha is (Turbo) however, one of them is a little confused-you can see in his little face that he's thinking "I don't know who I'm supposed to bite or be friends with" hahahah--but they are all doing well. So pathetic--I cried when I left them there--and I am going to see them all the time. I can't even imagine what I'll be like when the rest of them go to their new homes--I'll have to hold it together--I don't want to make anyone feel like they are taking my ferrets away.

On Sunday, I took Cali up to play with the group upstairs and they were all in their glory. Yesterday, I took Coyle up--all in all it went very well--but Levi was DETERMINED to make Coyle understand that he is not the Alpha--but it was fine--no puffy tails and no smelly poofing.

Pippy is doing AWESOME. she's put on some good weight and runs around the room with the boys--even rough-houses with them--and if someone messes with her--she takes care of it and they leave her alone. It's pretty funny considering she's about 1/4 of their size!!

Levi is about the same--he only bites when he gets wound up and I truly don't believe he is being malicious. I think the big challenge for him now is to teach him to inhibit his bite--because he doesn't get that you can be playing and just mouth gently--you don't have to draw blood every time. Typically, a good way to do that is to say "ow" and then stop playing when they bite too hard--then they realize what the limits are--but when you say "ow" and try to stop playing--he turns into a maniac--and you have to fend him off--which re-inforces the fun part because he LOVES it--you can almost hear him giggling. He things it's funny--it amuses him. So, I have to think of a new way--that doesn't re-inforce his behavior.

Uno and Twitch will be going to their new home within the next couple of weeks--and Pippy and Levi will be going after Thansgiving--but will be coming back to me for weasle sitting at Christmas (since everyone else is uncomfortable with his "unpredictability") LOL

I'm thinking that if the meeting on Sat goes well, Dudelee will prob go home with her then.

Loki had a Vet appt this morning and the diagnoses is official--it is lymphoma--The vet is now able to feel her lymph nodes upon physical examination--Not really a surprise, just a confirmation of what we already knew. The good news is that she is acting like she actually feels better. On Saturday--she was at the door of the room begging for attention and she hadn't done that in MONTHS. She was playing and interactive--that was wonderful to see. She hasn't been as good as on Saturday since--but, her little face is alert and her eyes are wide open--and she was being interactive with the staff. So, we will continue with the Pred and she has a recheck in a month--just so we can keep an eye on her status. I still have to have a conversation with the other vet--if only to let him know what he did so he doesn't do it again. I've been waiting to get less emotional about it (ie. angry) but I don' t think it will get any better--so, I need to concentrate on being professional and courteous--I just have to work up the nerve so I can say what I need to say (it's easy for me when I am in the heat of anger, but more difficult once I have calmed down)

Great news!!!

So, I have some fantastic news.... So far 7 ferrets have been adopted. YAY!! and all to people that I would have hand picked if I could have--people who will love them and treat them the way that they deserved to be treated.

Since Quarentine officially ends on Saturday, everyone is still here. But... Uno and Twitch will be going to their new home before Thanksgiving--and Pippi and Levi will be going to their new home after Thanksgiving. Uno and Twitch are staying together and Levi and Pippi will be staying together. Both pairs are going to people that we know --so we will be able to see them. Pippy and Levi will be back for Christmas since Levi is a little "special" and probably too much for her pet sitter to handle.

Meelo and Goliath will be staying with me and Turbo will be staying with Diane. The only ones left are Dudeley and Blazor--both special needs--one special needs behaviorally and the other Medically. It is killing me and I want to keep Blazor also--however, Diane and I talked about it and she convinced me that I already have alot on my plate with my guys and that I should take some time to regroup after these guys are adopted out since they were so labor intensive. If need be, he can stay with her--or even at some point come here as a foster.

Dudelee will blossom in a home where he is the only ferret--there are just too many critters here for him to totally come out of his shell--The right person will come for him, we will just have to wait. Even though, he was dancing like a maniac earlier... baby steps. :-)

One part of me is so happy for them and the other part is so sad for me--because we've all really bonded--and they'll have to start calling someone else Mama. But that's why we do what we do--not because it's easy for us, but because it's the right thing to do for them...

My strong little man....

Blazor did well in surgery--he is still a little lethargic but is eating/drinking and eliminating properly. I have him in a separate cage right now because I don't want anyone to accidentaly be too rough. I think that I will be putting him back with all of his friends this evening... (because he is sad and lonely) :-(

I also found something new out yesterday--DO NOT LET TURBO NEAR MY FACE!! I was laying on the floor, playing with some of the guys (minding my business, might I add) and Turbo wandered over, crawled over my face and latched onto my lip--I had to pry the little beast off.

So, I made the appt and he is having his teeth removed next Tuesday.

HAHAHA, just kidding. But I told him very strongly that NICE BOYS DON"T DO BITIES ON MAMA!! But he didn't seem to care--we'll have to have another conversation about it later.

Hmmmm.... something that his NEW Mama (Diane) can work on...... tee hee tee hee

Sorry it's been so long....

Yes, I know it's been a while since my last post and yes there is alot going on...

First: I had mentioned before that Blazor seemed to be a bit "off", so we took him to our regular vet--she did some bloodwork and we found out that he has insulinoma (his blood sugar was REALLY low--I'm surprised he wasn't having more severe symptoms than general lethargy) and when she looked at his teeth--she saw that both his top canines were cracked pretty much in half--you could see the pulp. :-( So, he was started on Prednisone and scheduled for the tooth extraction tomorrow--but I've already noticed a major difference in his energy level so the pred is already working. I asked the vet if she had any idea how old he is (you can usually tell by looking at their teeth) but, due to bad nutrition and poor treatment, all of these guys have crazy bad teeth--she compared it to a big old outdoor tomcat-due to bodily hardship, he could be two--but look ten...

So, keep us in mind tomorrow.

The good news is that EVERYONE is together except Dudelee. Even Pippy is in the playpen snuggling with all of the big boys--and you should see how happy she looks--and now Turbo is in there also. They all interact with one another so wonderfully! I think that is one of the most amazing things I've noticed about them in their time with me. When they first came, they had no clue how to interact with one another--and now you can see them do their little strategies if someone is being too rough, or a little cranky. They didn't have those skills before--that's developed while they have been here--and it makes me so proud of them.

Meelo and Goliath are staying with me--Twitch and Uno have been adopted (but they are still here because quarentine hasn't ended yet) Turbo is staying with Diane--and Blazor is prob going to stay at the shelter also (unless we can find someone really special for him)

Levi has gotten SOO much better--don't get me wrong, he still nails me every so often--but I have seen such improvement. It's mostly when he gets wound up--and then no toe or finger is safe...LOL

Dudelee--well, he is slow going--I've been hand feeding him his evening soup, hoping that it will help him feel safe so he can chill out a little bit--He may end up needing to be an only ferret. Only time will tell.

I'm so proud of my babies!!

We've had a breakthrough!!!

I can't believe it!! Turbo has finally figured out that boys who aren't nice--don't get to come out and romp with the other weasles. OMG. Right now, I have everyone out in the room together (mostly-I'll explain shortly) and there have only been a few altercations--and those have all been by Dudelee (who is mostly OK, as long as everyone leaves him alone)

The only one "not out in the room" is Pippy and that is her choice. The boys are so rambunctious, I think they are a bit overwhelming for her--So, when the boys are free, I put her in the play pen with the top open--she usually hangs in there until the boys relax a little bit, and then she will climb out and hang with Momma. (she can get in and out by herself when the top is open) So, it's her choice where she wants to be.

She is so funny--I couldn't figure out why I was the only one that she gnaws on... well, I finally figured it out. She is not gnawing on me, so much as getting a good grip to bring me with her. If I give her my finger, she will grab it and lead me (I've actually let her lead me places to see what she is trying to with me) to where she wants me--usually under the bed, under the bureau, into her cage... She's like "come on mama, lets go play" it's so cute--although she is very persistant--I've had her grab my toe and try to carry me off also... LOL

I'm concerned about Blazor--he still has that weird cough thing going on and he poops out WAY before the other weasels... They are going into the vets for the remainder of their shots on Wed and Thurs so I will have her take a look at him then.

There by the Grace of God, Go I....

So... the ADV tests for Loki, Coyle and Dusty came back--All negative (THANK GOD) I've been having anxiety attacks for the past week.

Loki didn't have a good weekend and when I spoke to the vet this morning, we spoke about some of the options. We've done pretty much everything diagnostically that we can think of (other than exploratory surgery and that's NOT GONNA HAPPEN) We do know (from her bloodwork) that there is something inflammatory going on--and as a rule, Ferrets respond very well to Prednisone (they don't experience some of the nasty side effects that dogs, cats and people do) so, we are going to start dosing her with Pred --with a follow up in a week to check her status. One thing the Dr did mention was that if we were to determine that she has cancer, the pred would negatively effect chemotherapy. Since I've already determined that I am not willing to subject her to that road, it's a non-issue and we decided to start the pred.

On a more postive note--the OH guys are doing fantastic. I now have Meelo, Blazor, Goliath, Uno and Twitch together in one cage (well, actually a playpen) and (if you can believe it) Turbo and Levi in the other. Pippy and Dudelee are really coming out of their shells--however, whenever I put Pippy with someone, they try to eat her and whenever I put Dudelee with someone--he tries to eat them. I tried to put them together and he tried to eat her (and she's just too cute to be eaten) She tried to carry me under the bed today (I'm so flattered--Mama is her favorite toy!!) I can't believe how well everyone is doing and it makes me so happy that we got the 9 (instead of the 4 or 6 we were originally planning on)

Well, I just wanted to touch base. Be well.

Back to the rescue kids....

So, the OH kids are doing well... Everyone seems to be settling in and getting more comfortable. They are still very people oriented--I refer to them as little spazzy dogs. They make me laugh every day.

I've been able to socialize some of them with each other--and they are now caged together (which is major) That was kind of a stressday day--I picked and chose who I thought would go best together--and then when they was a problem, took the problem out of the equation and tried someone else. Then, I ended up sleeping upstairs with them, because I was afraid that there would be a problem in the night--and I didn't really want to wake up in the AM and walk into a room full of "weasies pieces" haha, get it????--I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.

So, at this point--Goliath, Twitch and Uno are together--the three of them are very playful, amusing but don't need to be "the head weasle in charge" Watching them run around together is actually hilarious.

Meelo and Blazor are together--initially, they both seemed to be more mellow--but they are coming out of their shells. Blazor is just a sweet boy, and I think he would prob get along with anyone who didn't try to beat him up. Meelo is turning into quite the litle Napolean--he is perfect with Blazor, but I haven't been able to get anyone more timid in the group, because he beats on them--and anyone more aggressive will beat on him....he's also pretty funny as he holds grudges--if he's mad at me for some reason--he turns his head away from me and will withhold kisses--if he's really mad, he will gently bite me--as if to say "mama, I am not pleased with you"

Dudelee is my little timid man--I would love to get him with someone else, but when I tried to get him with Meelo and Blazor (who I thought would be the perfect group for him) Meelo tried to beat the crap out of him--and when I put him with Goliath, Twitch and Uno--he tried to beat the crap out of Uno. I will try that one again--he might have just gotten aggressive because he was nervous--so, I'll give it more time and see what happens next time.

I think that Pippy would prob get along with anyone, however, she is so little--I am not going to put her with any of the boys until the testosterone is COMPLETELY out of their systems--which I'm told is about 4 weeks. Once that is done, I think she might be a good fit for Dudelee--She is so fiesty though, she follows me around the room, gnawing the crap out of me (she only has a couple teeth, because continuous breeding sucked the nutrients right out of her body) so, every so often, I say "ow" and act like she hurt me, to make her feel productive. :-) It makes her happy, and making her happy makes me happy.

Turbo--not really sure that I'm going to find someone who is a good fit for him--he is such a nice boy, he's funny, sweet and amusing--with people. With other ferrets, he is HEAD ALPHA WEASEL IN CHARGE--and he's not had the experience with other ferrets to be a benevolent Alpha. It's something that I will just continue to work with--he would prob be a better fit for a ferret who is comfortable dealing with other ferrets--and who knows how to respond appropriately. Only time will tell.

Levi is coming along--he still nails me every so often, but he is getting better. I just can't figure out why he's biting--so it's hard for me to deal with it pro-actively (which is usually how I work with biters) So, my strategy with him thus far, is not give him any fingers or toes--if I present bare skin to him (without ferretone) it is the back of my hand. Fortunately, he is a Ferretone "whore" and I am able to mostly handle him with the aid of "tone"--but yet, he will kiss my face....

Loki Update

Soo... they did get the urine yesterday and there was no extra protein in it--which means that it's not liver/kidney failure. So, now just to rule some things out, we are going to do an ADV test (I will put ADV information on my side bar in case anyone is interested, I'm not going to bore everyone with it here) and we are going to do another CBC to see if any of her other values have changed (for ex: platelet count, etc-which could mean luekemia) As another aside--Dr. H told me that she was reviewing the the report from the old Ultrasound and noticed that it mentioned "slightly enlarged abdominal lymph nodes"--which again, could have been nothing--but considering the context of her history (and mine) SHOULD HAVE at least been mentioned to me.



She mentioned a possibility of doing Exploratory surgury--but to be totally honest, I am not comfortable with that. If they were going in for something specific, that would be one thing--but for some biopsies and a "looksie"? She's only 1 lb 4 oz--if it came to that, I'd rather just make her as comfortable as possible for as long as I can.



My heart is just hurting: out of my original 3 ferrets (not including Cali who I got about 5 months ago)



Dusty is insulinomic and on Prednisone

Coyle is going to the vet tomorrow and most likely adrenal (so we will discuss either surgury or meletonin implants)

Loki is ill with something as yet undetermined.



All of them are under four years old--Loki is 3 1/2, Dusty is 3 and Coyle is 2 1/2--Not typical even for ferrets. :-(



So, are next steps for Loki are:

Blood draw for ADV test and CBC-that will happen today at some point

Depending on what the blood shows, another abdominal ultrasound



Exploratory surgery: as for right now, a BIG N O!!

VENT about Non shelter ferret

Ok, I just need to vent about this because I'm very frustrated. My personal Ferret Loki (my first ferret) has not been right for about 7 months. It's nothing I've been able to put my finger on, I just have seen little things here and there that add up--and I've just had a gut feeling about it.

I've brought her to the vet about 3 times--giving him all the symptoms, explaining that "she's just not right" We've had ultra-sounds, blood tests, etc. The last time I saw him, I told him that I don't know, and I know he's been doing tests--but I KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING NOT RIGHT WITH HER. So, he told me that I could always get a second opinion (not in a nasty way, but in a truly trying to be helpful way) Meanwhile, I had asked him to send me the results of her bloodwork about 3 times and I never recieved it, so I just let it go.

Just as a back story--there is another vet that we work with alot through the shelter and I also highly respect her...so, some time goes on and I think "you know what, I am going to take her to this other Dr" Mind you--this Dr has had extensive experience with my "gut" regarding ferrets who "are just not right--and respects that.

So, her appt was yesterday--I had her records faxed from her normal vet. When the second opinion dr (I will refer to her as Dr. H) looks her --she notices that she doesn't "look right" (she looks like a little old ferret and she is only 3 1/2) when she looks at her blood work, she also notices that her Albumin level is low and her globulin level is high. So, she tests her blood again and now, her Albumin level is even lower.

The awesome thing about Dr. H is that she admits she doesn't know everything--but will tell you what is happening and then say "but I need to research that more to get more information" which I have SOO much respect for. I don't trust any human being who acts like they know everything.

So, now she is leaning towards something going on with her liver/kidneys. They were unable to get urine yesterday, but I brought her (loki) back in this morning and they got a urine sample on which they will do the appropriate tests. I will hear back at some point today.

Now--my frustration is: the original blood tests were done 7 months ago. If you have a client, who has EXTENSIVE experience dealing with sick ferrets (as all of the fosters I take in to my home are old/ill/hospice or behaviourally challenged) Whose gut feelings, thus far, has been pretty much dead on--who is INSISTENTLY telling you on numerous occasions that "I can't put my finger on it, but I know something is not right with this ferret" Don't you think that ANY oddity on the blood tests would be addressed--or even mentioned???? That was the FIRST thing that Dr. H noticed--and she even said "i'm not sure what it means, but I find it very interesting" and then went from there.

I think if something had just been missed, I would be less annoyed (since her symptoms have been pretty obscure) --but the fact that the oddity showed up in black and white (and mind you--when the values are above or below normal range they print out in RED-so it's hard to miss) and it wasn't addressed, infuriates me.

Oh well, I just had to get it off my chest. It will be addressed with him, I just want to get all my ducks in a row prior to talking to him about it.

Now that I've had a little time to regroup

Well, now that I've had some time to regroup--let me give you more details on my new kids.

Their names are Pippy (the only girl-and she's a pipsqueak), Turbo(because he's a maniac), Goliath (because he's a huge snugly mama's boy), Twitch (because he twitches when he dances), Meelo(because he's a mellow little dude), Uno (because he only had one ball--and then there were none....) Dudelee (Diane called him that because apparently I call everyone Dudelee and she thought it was appropriate), Blazor (who is a deafie with a white lightening bolt on his head) and Levi (who reached out of his cage with his big monkey paw to grab your pants or "levi's")

Pippy, Goliath, Levi, Meelo & Blazor were altered, (Pippy was spayed and everyone else was neutered.) Rabies vaccinated and ADV tested the day before yesterday. It was important to get Pippy spayed ASAP as a female ferret is in Estrus until she breeds--which can cause life threatening anemia/death. Getting ferrets spayed/neutered is something new for us--as MA state law dictates that any ferrets sold in MA are altered (and all the big farm kits--the ones sold in the majority of pet stores, are altered and descent ed prior to being shipped out)

Turbo, Twitch, Uno and Dudelee were neutered, rabies vaccinated and ADV tested yesterday.

Personalities: These assessments will prob change as they get more comfortable and I get to know them better--so, these personality observances are Certainly subject (and most likely will) to change. These guys are so excited to just be out of the cage--they've been jumping and dooking--and I've even gotten bunches of kisses. You talk to them and they just stare at you in wonder that you are giving them attention. At this point, none of them can be scruffed--they go INSANE (because that was prob the only way they had previously been handled-with a rough scruff) We are most likely going to have to work on that as eventually all ferrets need to be scruffed (if only for medical assessments or ear cleaning)

Pippy: I don't think that we've had the opportunity to see pippy's personality as she was in heat and not feeling well and is now recovering from her spay--however, she seems to be very sweet--albeit a little feisty.

Turbo: is a maniac--he is one of the funniest and most talkative weasels that I've ever met. I can't even describe the way he sounds, you have to hear it--it's like a combination between a chirp and a cluck. He is (and has been from the beginning) the most adjusted out of the group. However, when he gets really excited, he does tend to get a little nibbley--but that is to be expected--once he begins to recognize the boundaries of what's ok and what's not, he will be fine.

Goliath: is a big snuggle boy--he bonded to me instantly--he is also pretty well adjusted and is a bit of a goof.

Levi: is a biter, but with careful handling is OK-- but he wants to be a good boy, you can tell by the way he stares up at you--and he does give kisses--you just can't reach into his cage, move too quickly or let him get too excited/overstimulated.

Uno: is another goof ball, he is a good boy but another one who tends to bite when he gets over excited/over stimulated.

Meelo: seems to be the most timid of the group, but he is a total sweetheart and gives lots of kisses. I'm still trying to figure out if he's deaf--he's a sable, so it's not typical--but who knows what kind of issues/injuries he might have sustained while at the farm.

Dudelee: should be called poing because, I swear he's got springs attached to the bottom of his feetie paws. Kaboing Kaboing Kaboing

Twitch: is another goof ball--and does this little weird twitchy thing when he war dances

Blazor: is a sweetheart and after he is out of his cage for a couple minutes, then starts to dance. he is deaf, but I haven't started working on any signs with him at I want to wait until he has settled in a little bit more and can focus.

As of now, I can reach into any of the cages and take them out with no problem (with the exception of Levi-who I have to initially bribe with ferretone, but once my hands are on him, he's fine) Because they all need to be taken out of their cages separately, I haven't been able to give them near as much out of cage time as I'd like (in an ideal world, they would be out no less than four hours a day) --as they need to be constantly monitored, so even letting them out for 1/2 hour each--adds up to about 5 hours a day. However, by the same token--it's still more than what they were accustomed to-and it's prob a good idea to gradually increase out of cage time as they tend to get overstimulated when out for a while anyway...

I don't want them to equate hands to bad things, so when they are out of the cage--I pick them up every 5 minutes or so, give them ferretone and kisses--that way, they don't assume that being picked up means it's time to go back in the cage (which makes it VERY hard to catch them--LOL)

I haven't even really addressed litter box training yet--I am just putting boxes where they go to the bathroom--a higher priority is helping them to feel safe and comfortable with people. To be totally honest anyway--you can't really litter train ferrets anyway--the best way of litter training, is figure out where they like to go and put boxes there.

I will continue to keep you all posted, thanx for reading!!

Got Em!

Hey, I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that we did get the weasies last night. They need TLC, but are not nearly as bad as I thought they were going to be. With love and patience, they are going to be all right.

They are dirty--and need ears and nails done badly--but they are not emaciated. They are very sweet, but jumpy and easily frightened--they do much better if you don't make sudden movements--but I've already gotten LOTS of kisses.

I'm really tired, but I just wanted to keep everyone posted. I will post later in the weekend with more details. We will be doing baths, nails and ears tomorrow--so I've no doubt I will have more interesting stories to share.

:-)

GULP.....

Well.... the room is ready (mostly) and ready to rock and roll--or should I say, poop and dook...hahaha . I have 6 cages outfitted with blankets, litter boxes and food/water. OH--and did I mention that we are now getting 9? There was a little mis-communication with the woman bringing them from OH for us--however, she is doing us (and the weasles) an enormous service, so what are you going to say? Obviously those were the ones meant to come to Diane and I...

Also, as far as I know, they had all been kept in separate cages--so, for the time being, that means 9 cages (at least until/if I can slowly integrate them to the wonderful world of weasle piles) Fortunatley, Diane brought over the six cages this morning (might I add, four of them she dismantled from the shelter) and Rose (the wonderful woman of LFFR-Little Feet Ferret Retreat-where I get all my rocking custom snoopy bedding) is going to lend me 2 or 3 more tonight when we go pick the guys up from her (she was meeting the person who came from OH)

Soooo...right now I'm just waiting to get this show on the road (God, I hope those aren't famous last words...) hahahahahahahah

Weasle ETA

Newest Update:

They should be getting to my house sometime Thursday evening. I am still experiencing a combination of excitement and terror--I think I will feel better once we get to see them and assess them--at least then I will have a better idea of what I am dealing with....

Now arriving Wednesday or later....

Update: they will now be arriving on Wednesday or later....--so that gives me more time for set up.

Phew.....

Oh MY.....

So, as I've mentioned to some of you--I will be taking in (for 3 weeks) a small group of unsocialized, unaltered, unvaccinated ferrets from a rescue that took place from a "breeder" in OH. Looking at the pics of these guys, breaks my heart. They are being taken in by the shelter, but are being quarentined at my house.



I am in the process of setting up an appropriate space for them--which will keep everyone in my house as safe as possible--they will be upstairs in a room that is currently my "storage room" (which just means that it's full of shit that I have to clean out). There will be no interaction between them and any of my other critters--Sandy will be blocked from going upstairs at all until quarentine is complete. I will have separate clothes and shoes from when I am upstairs and then need to change and sanitize before I interact with anyone else in the house.



I have no idea what to expect from these guys--from what I understand, they've not been socialized--which means that they could be grateful to interact with others--or they could want nothing to do with it. I will post back once they've arrived on Monday--with my general impressions.... Please, WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!