Furry sock puppets

FYI: Roll call

2009-03-03T12:57:00.003-05:00

My weasles:
Coyle, Meelo, Mari, Tempe, Lala, Henri
Fosters:
Al, Skippy, Leo, Prissy, Lila, Cocoa, Dante, Inky, *Nyla and *Mickey

*are probably going back to the shelter at some point--I only took them because they needed some extra care and the shelter director got the flu and we didn't want her to handle them if she could avoid it (and she could cause I took them) they are the ones going to the vet on Thursday and then they will prob go back to the shelter at some point.

The amazing adventures of the Inky....

2009-03-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

I just had to share that Inky wardanced at me this morning (well, he did a modified, Inky war dance which was a jump twist and then fall over) and then he got up on his back feet to go into the carboard tube (which might I add is at an angle, so they have to climb up to get through it) I boosted his back end (being very careful that he fit) he sucked everything in--and SWOOSH when through the tube!!!!! and then turned around and came back through.

Just to refresh--Inky is a big old man who lives for soup and cuddles--so, to watch him dance and play is wonderful!

I will post more pics of the group in the near future.

Nothing really new to share--everyone seems to be doing OK (knock on wood). Coyle and Tempe had their vaccinations (well--rabies and distemper titer) scheduled for Thursday--but, I gave the appt to two shelter kids who are old and just need to be assessed (and there were no other open appts for this week) So, I remade the appt for them on the 12th--Coyle and Latte are scheduled for the 18th. I have to schedule a recheck for Meelo--he graduated to going once a month, to once every two months (unless I notice a change) but thus far his BG has been stable-again, knock on wood(but, Sue-his vet- and I have determined that we are no longer vaccinating him) YAY He has actually been dancing around and doing his little "ducky dance" which--I have been trying to get on video, but he won't do it when I have the camera out. Henri is all set (for now) because his vaccination schedule is different--he will get his rabies shot and distemper titer in April.

It's going to be interesting to see what the titers show for Henri, Mari and Tempe as they have only had their baby shots and one other yearly, but I will keep you posted.

Still working with Leo (perma foster) he's had a meletonin implant and two lupron injections and I can see a difference--he is starting to grow his fur back and is gaining weight. However, he is still having problems with other ferrets. When I let him out with my creeps--they start with him and when I let him out with the Oldies--he starts with them. At one point I tried to let he and Coyle work it out (because Coyle typically keeps giving someone his bum when they are being fresh to him and he wants to be friends) but--eventually Coyle got sick of having Leo go after him and said "arrwright--you wanna go, let's go" and actually gave Leo a little bruise on his back. :-( Which made me feel like a bad mamma.

So, what i've been doing is overlapping them--when the creepies settle down and and are scattered all over the room(and it's shortly going to be time to put them back in their house) , I let Leo out and if there is a problem, I will put the creepies away--Leo and I will hang out for a bit and then when he settles in, I will take the oldies out and when he starts--I will put him away. I don't care which group he picks--I would just love for him to pick ONE of them....

Skippy is doing AMAZING--he doesnt' even look or act like the same ferret. You have to look at him closely now because he and Coyle look so much alike (Coyle is a DEW in the winter and Skippy is a marked white (but he only has a little bit of black on his legs and back end) He is a far cry from the emaciated, baldish stressy boy that I brought home...

Wow--I guess I had more to say than I thought...

Peace Out.
:-)

So...

2009-02-02T22:49:00.008-05:00

Do you think that Skippy is fitting in with the group??

This is the Inky

He is an old man that everyone LOVES (Ferret and human). Everyone who comes into the shelter wants the Inky. He is a big lovey snuggly boy who will follow you around the room, just so he can put his head on your foot-but, he is special needs as he is old, is insulinomic and has an abdomen growth. I've been trying to get him (as one of my perma fosters) for prob over 6 months.

Well, a couple weeks ago, when I got to the shelter as soon as he heard my voice-he kept trying to get to me (no matter who was giving him love) it was super obvious. So... Diane finally let me have him because she said it was obvious that he wanted to be with me. So, he is now living with me and getting all the special mama love. Today, we lay on the floor together and he had his head cradled in my ebow like a dog. :-)

Because little old fiesty girls make me laugh...

2009-01-31T17:33:00.013-05:00

You'll have to excuse Henri--he's still young and not as brave as his older sister...

Just some amusing pics....

2009-01-19T14:39:00.006-05:00

Another update:

2008-12-22T13:44:00.001-05:00

Skippy is still doing well--and actually played with ME (without any other ferrets) for the first time this morning. He is going to do well here--he's trying to hard to be a good boy!!

on a happier note...

2008-12-21T21:37:00.001-05:00

Skipton has been out in general population (and in the cage with everyone) for over 48 hours and has not tried to eat anyone...

My Freckles has gone on to the Bridge...

2008-12-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

I am truly starting to hate the Christmas season.

It is with a broken heart that I tell you all that Diane and I had to help Freckles to the Bridge last Sunday morning (12/14) . Over the past week he was having some trouble urinating (along with a UTI) so, we got him started on Clavamox and Propecia.

He was all set when I went to bed on Saturday night and was blocked when I woke up on Sunday morning.

We are blessed to have a vet that actually came in and opened the hospital on a Sunday morning for us.

He came to me as a behavioral foster--once we worked the behaviors out--it was determined that he was insulinomic, adrenal and had a bad kidney--so, he was to stay one of my "perma-fosters". He was a total "mama's boy" He would look up at me with that little pink nose (with the snuggies-as Aunty Diane liked to say) and his little freckled face--with such a look of "mama, I love you" and God, did I love him too. All week in the room,--I kept feeling like I was getting glimpses of him out of the corner of my eye--and then I would remember.

When you deal with rescue--ALL of the animals are special and all of them mean something to you, you love them all-but every so often--you come across someone who is just different. You don't know WHAT is different aobut them--but, it's like they got one of those tiny little claws caught in your heart. I've heard them called "heart ferrets" and I've been blessed to have more than one of them--but Freckles was most definatly one of my heart ferrets.

I will miss him dearly and look forward to seeing him at the Bridge--I hope he is being nice to Loki--but if not, I'm sure that Goliath will mediate--he always did.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth
you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran

Rest well, my little friend--and until we meet again...

May the tunnel rise up to meet you.May the wind always be at your tail.May the sun shine warm upon your whiskers,and rains fall soft upon your fur.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. With all my love,Mama

and so the saga continues....

2008-11-30T22:33:00.005-05:00

Well, it's actually not that exciting, but I will try to keep you somewhat entertained... When I got home, I took everyone out again and except for the usual scuffles--they seemed to be doing ok. Except at one point, Freckles was under the blanket with just his head poking out-and his face looked kind of weird (like a little girl with her pony tail too tight) so I pulled back the blanket... lo and behold--it wasn't a pony tail holder he had stuck to his head--but Skipton's face!! The funny thing is--even though Skipton has a grip like you wouldn't believe--I can stick my finger right in his mouth and pry his teeth off--he doesn't want to let go of the other ferret, but he doesn't even TRY to bite me (even as a reflex).

The nicer gentler weasles (Henri, Tempe and Latte) are starting to catch on--when he starts getting frisky, they run into the tunnels where they can defend themselves and keep him from munching on them (if they seemed distressed, I would save them--but honestly, they act like they think it's just a new game)

I think Coyle thinks he is playing--he just rolls around on the floor with him and bats him in the face and over the head with his paw when he (Skipton) latches on--until he lets go. (it's actually pretty funny to watch--honestly-sometimes I can't tell if Coyle is good natured, or not all that bright... LOL)

I KNOW that Meelo thinks he is playing (he plays REALLY rough--partly because of the way he was kept, he never really learned how to play) So, He is like "who hoo--bring it buddy--someone who finally plays right" Not sure that Skippy really gets that. LOL.

Al continues to try to stay under the radar (which is a good idea because he is also adrenal) and HILARIOUSLY, he doesn't even ATTEMPT to mess with Mari--I think she is just too mean. Miss Mari don't take NOO shit from Noone!! LOLOL. I love her--she's so funny.

He and Freckles seem to be the biggest problem right now--because they are both VERY adrenal and can't seem to stay away from each other. Picture this: "Don't touch me--I'm touching you--no, I'm going to touch you--Don't touch me--I'm touching you--no don't touch me--I'm touching you, etc..." except it's said with Clucking, screaming and squealing (have I mentioned before that Freckles is a complete Drama queen?)

I've been able to put him (Skippy) in the cage with my big group (or leave him out in the room) and he is usually Ok--until the chorus of "I'm touching you--stop touching me--I'm touching you...etc) starts between 5:30/6:00 AM and if they are loud enough (and they usually are) he is put back into his own cage.

He's had a melatonin implant and he (along with Freckles) will be getting a Lupron injection in the near future. So, I'm hoping that will calm them both down. But, all in all--he is doing better than expected (and better than he was at the shelter)

I'll keep you posted.

Time for another head count and Status:

I lost Aria the Friday after Thanksgiving--she crashed at the vets once again and we determined that (due to a lack of life quality) we would let her go. Go with God, my little furry girl.

(foster) Lila: is DANCING--she is coming out of her shell and is a joy to watch

(foster) Prissy: was 1.1 lbs when I got her--is now 1.5 :-) Good deal Priss--you GO girl!!

(foster) Freckles: His adrenal disease seems to be progressing--and I hope this upcoming Lupron shot will bring him some relief

(foster) Al: not really any changes (knock on wood)

(fosters) Baby Boy and Mandi: were adopted out to a WONDERFUL woman who will be a fantastic mom for them.

(foster) Skipton: Found wandering the streets of Boston--we took him in and as he started to recover, we determined that he would do better at my house

Paulhus's
Meelo--is now on Cosequin and is doing well on it--he is dancing. :-) His lymph nodes are back to normal--and we are continuing to monitor his BG. (Blood Glucose)

Coyle: has finally turned back into my winter beastie--in September he weighed 2.4 lbs and the other day was up to 3.0. :-) and his fur is beautiful again

Mari, Tempe, Latte and Henri are all doing the same (but that's a good thing)

KNOCK ON WOOD

My new work in progress....

2008-11-29T13:41:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday, I brought home a new foster who "needs some work" in all honesty, it's very likely that he is "unadoptable" and therefore staying with me as a "permafoster"

He is VERY adrenal and we are currently working to get it under control. How that translates practically speaking is that he is aggressive. Think horny teen with no impulse control crossed with Neanderthal--and you might get the picture. The good thing is that it's not his fault and he really is a nice boy. (of course, the ferrets he is dragging around by their neck, may not agree)

We decided to send him to my house, 1. as a reward for all the hard work that I do... (hahahahaha--that was my joke-work your butt off, and as a reward, you get the ferret that doesn't get along with anyone...) 2 (the real reason) because I have a really great group of ferrets who like to mess around, but usually don't get offended easily --so they will either get away from whomever is bothering them, or bat them off-but it usually doesn't turn into a major aggressive episode. and 3. he likes to bother little girls--and my girls aren't little--my girls are tough and scary. One of my girls (Mari) made Diane's Alpha cry and we had to go rescue him. :-(

So, I brought him home on Wednesday-and let him out in the room with a couple of guys, just to see how it would work out. At first, I just had him out with Henri and Tempe (my kids who get along with EVERYONE) thinking he might not mess with them. At first he didn't--but, then I found him dragging Henri under the cage by his neck--with Henri completely limp (he wasn't hurting him, and Henri was acting appropriately to a more dominant ferret)--but, I didn't want him to be subjected to that. So, for his protection, Henri went back in the cage. A couple minutes later, the same thing happened to Tempe--so, I rescued her and put her in the cage.

So, after that, I thought that I would go straight to the big guns--no more messing around--yes, that means...MARI came out. (cue scary music). My mindset was that he might not continue to try to mess with someone who won't let him.

It actually worked--he tried to mess with her for about an hour--and she tried to mess with him right back--and then they got tired--so, there would be about 15 minutes of quiet with periodic messing with each other noises. Then they decided that they would be friends.

Then came the next step--another ferret. But, who should it be?? I decided the nice kids were out of the question (at least for that night) so that meant that Tempe, Henri and La La were staying in the cage. Al can be fresh with the smaller girls-(cause he's kind of a bully) and I was afraid that he would get the fur kicked out of him. Freckles is also adrenal and I could just picture the two adrenel boys going at it, so that was out. There was no way I was going to subject my foster girls to him because they are too delicate and even don't associate with my beasties. So--that left Coyle and Meelo--which could go either way. Sometimes Coyle is a bully and other times he totally takes crap--it depends on his mood. I never really know how he will react to each new ferret. On the other hand-Meelo NEVER takes shit (but he's so big, he rarely gets it) so, it could go either way. I thought that I would give it a shot.

The immediately went at it--but more noise than aggression--both their tails were poofed, but I knew that Meelo wasn't really mad because he is not descent ed and when he is truly mad--trust me, all know it!! That went on for a little bit then it settled down. I needed to go to bed, so I put Skipton (the new kid) in his own cage (for every one's safety) and went to bed.

The next morning, I was feeling dangerous (lol) so I let them all out (except the foster girls) and there were a couple of scuffles, but nothing major (mostly between him and Freckles, which I suspected) and Al was under the radar, hiding out. (LOL)

I let them all hang out for a bit and then put him in the separate cage again so I could go "do Thanksgiving"

To be continued....

Just to touch base

2008-10-11T11:48:00.007-04:00

Nothing really new going on on the weasly front (knock on wood)

Meelo is doing well--healing up fantastically from surgery. A week ago I found some enlarged lymph nodes on him --freaked out and brought him the vet. She also was concerned about them--but, she did an Albumin on him and it was normal--add that to the fact that he is not ACTING sick, I was kind of reassured and we will just keep a close eye on him--he is already on pred anyway. I am going to bring him in once a month for a few months to have him (and his albumin) checked and then we will work from there.

Right now I have 13 ferrets in the house--I have more fosters then personal guys (and that hasn't happened since the OH guys at the inception of this blog)

My guys are:
Coyle, Latte, Tempe, Meelo, Henri and Mari

Fosters are: Freckles (long term behavioral) You all know about the Freckles!

Al (long term/hospice) He was returned to us to someone who we had believed was a responsible owner (that we had adopted to) She brought him to the Rabies clinic, but he was really skinny and having diarrea so we didn't vaccinate him and told her to bring him to the vet. Months later, she askes Diane if she can watch him for the weekend (after never having brought him to the vet) and now he was even sicker and skinnier. She acted like her heart was breaking leaving him for the weekend--called once to check on him and then never called again. At that point, we had already decided she wasn't getting him back, so we didn't follow up with her. There was about a week there when I didn't think he was going to make it. Well, 5 minutes ago, he was just dancing and dooking with Henry--but, I think he's still a little delicate, so he's not going anywhere.

Prissy: came in with another ferret from the MSCPA--she was really thin and not eating--she was also having insulinomic seizures. I nursed both her and Lovey (Lovey seeming to be in better shape) after about a week, Lovey just seemed really off and I rushed her to the vet--she had a perforation in her abdomen--nobody knew why or how and I had to let her go to the Bridge. In the meantime--I still had Prissy--who was a little old cranky girl (between 7 -8 yrs old) she didn't like any other ferrets (would hiss and bite if they came near her) I was very worried about her--but, I finally found a soup combination that she liked and she started to put on weight. She is still a small girl--but, she has a little bit of heft to her and her fur is beautiful. But, best of all--3 months later she has made friends (of my nice guys) and huggles and snuggles them--also sometimes she goes into a blanket and snuggles me.

Lila came in with a little maniac girl--I had them both at my house for a bit (because the shelter was overloaded) --but, we decided that Lila was too delicate to be adopted (just seemed to get emotionally stressed VERY easy) and didn't seem really bonded to the little girl--so, Tawni went to the Shelter to be adopted and Lila stayed with me. She is still really laid back--and still just seems sad --but, she loves her soup and snuggles with the nice guys.

Aria came into the shelter after being found by Animal control in N Attleboro--she seemed like a young, vibrant completley adoptable girl. We took her into the Vets to have her shots so we could adopt her out--and she went into an insulinomic crisis (none of us-even the vet, suspected she was insulinomic) after about 4 hours, we got her stable and she wasn't totally good for another week or so--she needed really close monitering --she is doing well now, but because she needs to be monitered so closely, she is staying with me (besides the fact that she bonded with Lila immediatley)

Baby Boy Polar Weasel and Mandi came into the shelter a coulpe weeks ago from the MSPCA--we were told they were biters, so they came home with me right away for rehab. Well, I'm not sure who decided that these two are biters, but whoever it is--has NO experience dealing with ferrets. They are a little nibbley00but I think that was more because they weren't used to being handled. They are both very lovable and affectionate- If I have the right material pants on, Mandi crawls right up my leg to my chest where she then smothers me with kisses. Baby boy is actually concerning to me--he looks young, but doesn't have the appropriate activity level--even if we can get him to play, he only does for a minute and then goes off somewhere to go to sleep.

Baby Boy and Lila will be going to the vet in the near future to be checked out--but, it's one of those JAR cases (Just Ain't Right) so.....

That's what is new here. On Saturday, we did a birthday party for an amazing little girl (no--we don't do birthday parties and the only reason we did this one, because of the little girl) she was turning 11--and in her invitation--requested no presents--that everyone give donations to us in luei of presents. (and now you see the kind of little girl she is and why we did a birthday party for her) it was fun and educational--and all of the girls were super respectful of the animals. Gives me hope for today's youth!!

Post Op recheck

2008-09-23T12:24:00.002-04:00

Meelo had his 2 week post op checkup yesterday and it went very well. ALL of the swelling is gone (even the swelling in the joint, which would normally still be there for a dog or a cat) He is off activity restriction and I'm going to try to start swimming him for rehab (try being the operative word here--if anything, at least the video will provide a few laughs) He is actively using the leg-although he sometimes holds it straight out like he used to. I believe part of that is habitual because he is so used to being aware of it and holding it like that--and I think it will get better with time.

I'll keep you posted regarding how water rehab goes...

LOL

Thoughts from Diane on the day we lost Blazor...

2008-09-16T11:19:00.001-04:00

"Blazey" Blazor has wind in his whiskers today as he prepared for his journey to the bridge. It doesn't seem possible that he and his other friends from Ohio only came to us in September until he left us today.

Both his "Mama-Aunties" were there with him. We were not able to keep his blood sugar stablized for the past few months and despite increasing his medicines, frequent feedings and round the clock care for the past several weeks he continued to have debilitating seizures.

Today boosted by dextrose, he enjoyed a wonderful romp around outside in the grass bathed in sweet sunlight.

As he neared the stone wall with a little opening, he turned around to look at us both to make sure we were still there behind him. His tail up, nose sniffing the air, whiskers to the wind it was a striking scene how similar this little woodsy scene brought to mind that maybe this is what going to the bridge looked like..... We sure will miss you Blazor.................

Author~Diane Wall, July 1-2008

My letter regarding McKids--one year later

2008-09-16T11:15:00.001-04:00

As I read Diane's post about the McKids and how much has happened in a year--it brought to mind some of the other moments that I (and we) experienced with them....both good and bad--but all of them emotionally moving...

I remember the first moment that I met Goliath and he crawled up my chest, nestled in my neck and decided that I was going to be his forever Mama.

I remember when Pippy (now Pippin) would latch on to my finger or toe and for a while, I couldn't figure out why I was the only one she bit--until it dawned on me, that she was trying to carry me off--under the bed, under the dresser--because Mama was her favorite toy.

I remember the first time that Dudelee (now Krechure) was brave enough to crawl up my back (I was lying on the floor trying to look as harmless as possible) and stick his nose in my ear.

I remember Levi (now Oscar) biting me to the bone --and trying calmly to get Diane off the phone (she was facing the window and didn't see what happened) as he war danced in a puddle of my blood (which other than feeling bad about the stress he was obviously under, I still find kinda funny)

I remember the first time I was able to pick up Levi without leaving a blood trail while I ran for the band aids.I remember watching their fur turn soft and healthy and watching their eyes come alive.

I remember finding Twitch on the stairs and him looking up like "oh, Hi Mama--what's happening?" (I'm still not sure how he got out of the room and ended up having to bungee cord the martin playpen we used for his cage, closed)

I remember giving Turbo kisses and him deciding that I needed a lip piercing --and having to ask for help to pry him off (by the way--he still tries that with me--for some reason, he likes the way Auntie tastes. LOL)

I remember sitting in the room at the Emergency Vet with Goliath--thanking him for coming into my life and telling him how much I loved him--and telling him that I would see him at the Bridge.

I remember Blazor walking in the grass behind the vets office right before Diane and I made the painful but necessary decision to let him go--and he stopped one last time, lifted his head up and turned around to make sure that we were still behind him.

Every moment is burned into my heart and I feel blessed that these kids came into our lives. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it!!

Post Op Day 7

2008-09-16T10:49:00.002-04:00

It's been a week since the surgery and I can't believe how well he is healing. The swelling is almost (if not totally) gone and the bruising is totally gone. He is totally weight bearing on that leg--and the biggest concern for me right now is letting him out to stretch his leg out--without him getting excited and overdoing. Last night I had him on the bed with me for about 5 minutes and he got so excited that I was afraid that he was going to overdue and re-injure himself.

I have an area rug that my sister gave me some time ago (hand me down) that is not my taste so I never put it out--but, I think I am going to put it out in the weasle room for now so I can let Meelo walk around in there for a little bit and he has enouph rug to give him traction. He is on cage rest for another week--so, I've been putting Freckles and Coyle in there with him at night for the past couple nights so he doesn't get lonely and depressed. I have some awesome pics of the three of them snuggling up. That I hopefully will be posting later today--so, keep looking. :-)

Post op day 5

2008-09-14T12:38:00.001-04:00

Guess who is eating kibble and drinking water on his own??!!!!!!

Post OP day 4

2008-09-13T22:24:00.002-04:00

Nothing really new going on, except that he in continueing to heal. He looks much less swollen and is able to move the leg a little better. He is still not eating and drinking on his own.

Another poignant FML (Ferret Mailing List) post from Diane...

2008-09-12T21:18:00.001-04:00

It occurs to me in the early hours of the morning today, sun's coming up as I smile looking at some little faces,

that it's about a year since one of the first groups of ferrets rescued from Ohio arrived to us at South Shore Ferret Care in Massachusetts.

They went down a long road to even get out of "that place", bonded the ferret community together as never before, they travelled a highways and back roads through the rain and the darkness to peer at me for the first time scared but looking back at me with hope. We took in nine of these wonderful little ferrets, not a big number but as much as we could handle for a two person shelter a pinpoint on the map of the world.

Little moments of the past year pop in my head......hopping into my car to transport them home, all nine of them poofing at once with the windows up (it was pouring rain).....jumping right back out of the car and heaving from all the POOFING ....... (we don't get many whole ferrets here in Massachusetts so that was our first poof experience!)Michele's dedication and round the clock care.....gaining their trust.... first looks of love.....the first tenative steps on the floor...... first bowls of soup..... first soupy kisses.....litter box ramp sliding......first time playing.....sighing after successful surgeries.....calls and emails of local ferret people offering to help......laughing and crying at their first war dance......taking endless pictures to document each moment......watching the wonderment as each personality developed...........crying endless tears as Goliath left....... crying more tears as Blazor left..........listening to each detail of each dedicated ado ptive parent updated us on how wonderful they were all doing.........Ohio ferret reunion at the health care clinic..........getting kisses from Turbo "the tough boy" at 2 am after Mr. Ferret died and again when Oreo died and "his momma" was very sad....hearing that Meelo's knee surgery was successful and hearing relief in Michele's voice.....

So many wonderful thoughts from such a monumental rescue.......

Post Op day 3

2008-09-12T20:58:00.003-04:00

Well, today the bruising and swelling looks alot better--and he is actually using the leg more often now (as opposed to dragging it behind him like he was doing yesterday) However, he is still not eating and drinking on his own.

I just put Freckles in the cage with him so he could hang out with at least one of his siblings for a little bit--and you should have seen how happy he was. He just lay down next to Freckie like "ahhhh". I wish I could leave them together in there, but I'm just concerned about the incision and/or him attempting more activity than is good for him--so, he will have to make do with a short visit for today.

Meelo--Post Op day 2

2008-09-11T23:00:00.002-04:00

Today I had my Tysabri treatment so I was at Beth Isreal for the day. As I did not feel comfortable leaving Meelo by himself for an extended period of time--I brought him to the vet for day boarding. The added benefit was that since he was there, the vet took a look at him.

She said that he is doing well--the incision looks good ( thus far, he's not picking at it) and although he is swollen, it's not excessive. You can tell that he is sore, but he doesn't seem to be in an excessive amount of pain--although that might be because I am keeping his pain meds on a pretty consistant schedule.

He is still not eating/drinking on his own, but I'm not sure how much of that is "oh mommy keeps picking me up and giving me yummy soup so I don't have to eat kibble" and how much is "I just don't feel good"--although, at this point it doesn't really matter since I will continue to hand feed him because I want him to keep his strength up so he can heal.

I let him out on my bed for a little bit again today--just to get him out of the cage and he was so cute--he just kept burrowing under the comforter and then sticking his head out at me like "here I am!!" I did notice that he tries to use his leg when he's on the bed--which is good for a couple of minutes to keep it limber--but, I don't want him to overdo.

At this point, he seems to be healing nicely (knock on wood)

:-)

Meelo's surgery--Surgery Day and Post Op day 1

2008-09-11T00:34:00.011-04:00

Meelo's surgery went well. He came through it like a champ. I observed and it was very
interesting (although I couldn't watch when they intubated him) When the Dr came out of the room she told me that the knee is most definatly stabilized now--the only problem is that we are just using conjecture as to how this is going to proceed. She had to use Sutures to attach the tendon to the bone because he is so small (where as they use a different material for larger animals)-so, we wait and see how it holds up over time.

September 9, Surgery Day:

The actual surgery probably only took about 1 1/2-2 hours. After surgery he woke up rather quickly and was eating soup out of my hand within a half an hour. We were on our way home within another half hour.

They had already given him pain meds, pre surgery and also gave him antibiotics during surgery--so, he wasn't scheduled for his next bought of pain meds until the evening--however, he was demonstrating pain responses, so I gave it to him early. He spent most of the day totally out of it (he hadn't gone the bathroom at all until that night, so that was a little concerning to me) I hand fed him soup and water every couple of hours.

September 10, Post op Day 1:

He was more alert today, but seemed to be more painful. I kept on with his pain med schedule and tried to ease him as much as possible (pick him up and rub him) until he didn't want it anymore --and then I'd put him back in his cage. I took him out and put him on my bed, thinking that he would appreciate the change of scenery--but, he tried to wonder all over and explore (even though he wouldn't use that leg) so, I thought he was overdoing it and put him back into his cage. He is going the bathroom, but he is not eating on his own--so, I am handfeeding him his soup every four hours and handfeeding him room temp water with ferretone on it every four hours--so, it works out to: feed-two hours later, water-two hours later, feed, etc.

Tomorrow I have to go to BI for my treatment and don't feel comfortable leaving him by himself yet, so I am bringing him to the vet for day boarding-- (if you saw my list of instructions you would laugh your hiney off) but hey, that's me.

I have pics beginning with Pre-OP, but I just haven't downloaded them. I will prob edit the post at a later time to include the pics.

Be well, and Peace Out.

It's all about the Freckles....

2008-08-26T17:05:00.003-04:00

We've always said it's all about the Freckles (my long term behavioral foster) and apparently he's taken it to heart.

First, let me give you a little bit of background about our Freckles--when he came into the shelter he was a shall we say "a bit nippy". When we read the instructions his prior owner gave us, we figured out why.

According to her when he misbehaved we were to "strike him sharply on the nose". What that translated to, was a ferret who upon meeting someone (and for quite some time after he met them) he would "test" by biting pretty hard and then putting his head down-waiting to see if you hit him. So, obviously he couldn't be adopted out until we rehabbed him.

As a little bit of time went on--he didn't seem to be thriving at the shelter so I took him home (those of you who know me, know that I tend to take the fosters who don't do well at the shelter for various reasons) So, he came home with me and I worked with him--and he was pretty easy--all I did was when he bit me, hugged him and kissed him and told him that he would always be safe (mind you, that's not how I work with all biters--my method changes depending on the reason for the bite) As time went on, he completley stopped biting (he now smothers me with kisses and is a TOTAL mama's boy) but we found a malformed kidney that causes him pain if you move him a certain way and he has developed Adrenal and Insulinoma--so, we all know he is staying with me.

Yesterday, we had a big appt with the vet and I was going to the shelter early before we had to go. I decided to soup and medicate the kids who were staying home and I would soup and medicate the kids coming with me at the shelter. I've worked very hard to keep my kids on a schedule and I've seemed to do a very good job, because Mr. Freckles became very disgruntled when things were not as they usually are.

Everyone my house gets soup twice a day--but the healthy kids eat from the community bowl and the kids who are on meds-get their own bowl. Well, I put the community bowl down, put Meelo's down and put Prissy's in her cage. Because he is so used to his own bowl--he now won't eat at the community bowl (unless he has finished his and is still hungry). So, he walks over the to community bowl--looks at it, then looks up at me. He walks over to Meelo's bowl-looks at it and looks at me again--but this time his face says "excuse me mama--where is my soup" I tell him he will get it at Aunty's and put everyone in their respective carriers to go to the Shelter.

When we got to the Shelter, I took him out of his carrier and put him in one of the cages (because he is fresh with the other ferrets that were out--mind you-my guys have their own room at my house) I started getting everyone's soup and medicine together and I put a bowl of soup in the cage for him so I could continue to soup and medicate--but now, we are displeased and do not want want our soup (even though it's in it's own bowl) and are going to lurk under the (pink) blankets with just his eyes and nose showing -glaring with our little beady laser beam eyeballs at mama so she knows how displeased we are (and I know, you all know the look that I am talking about)

So, I took him out of the cage and had to hand feed him his soup--which mollified him a little bit because Mama was apparently showing the proper respect for "the Freckles" so he ate the whole bowl. When he was done, I put him back in the cage. But, that displeased him again so he proceeded to tear apart 'ahem, I mean "re arrange" the whole cage.

When it was time to go, we went around the room to collect weasle's and put them in their carriers-Diane happened to be closer at the time, so she opened the cage to get him (he was in one of the top cages) and he wouldn't come to her and was hovering back of the cage (I have to add, that he sees Aunty all the time and loves her) He was at the back corner of the cage--kicking up the litter box at her. She moved the box and now--he is standing in the very back corner with his back arched and all four feet touching so he can stay as far away as possible (think stereo typical Halloween black cat) So, I go over to get him, but she already gotten the stool out and had "retrieved the wayward weasle"

At the vet, 2 ferrets went into crisis, so I ended up staying so Diane could go back to the shelter to meet with a potential adopter and he went back to the shelter with her.

When I got back to the shelter--I greeted everyone, but all I got was a paw to the face pushing my chin away whenever I tried to kiss him.

He finally started kissing me again, this afternoon.

People tell me that rescued animals are always so grateful and I have to laugh--EVERY animal in my house is rescued and NONE of them act grateful--they all act entitled.

Well, they probably think that every single one of them have me wrapped around their paw!--and they'd be correct. LOL

Email from Diane....

2008-08-21T15:37:00.001-04:00

An email from Diane to a mailing list that many people in the ferret community belong to.... I just thought it was so poignant and wanted to share...

Do you believe in messages or signs, divine intervention perhaps?

I know many times when coincidences happen we like to think that they are signs. Good messages from the bridge. While I can be somewhat subtle in giving some communications, I am somewhat dense when hints are being dropped in my direction.

While it may be wishful thinking on my part,

from the Reflecting Pool at the Bridge,

I believe I am hearing some splashing.

Here for your review, I submit the following for consideration:

My little boy Oreo of which I posted last week "Oreo Hopping to the Bridge" was quite an inspiration to me and many others. He was the mascot of South Shore Ferret Care and while all the ferrets are special, certain ones stand out, and teach me something. Like we have all felt, there was a empty feeling in the ferret room after Oreo was gone, it was a tangible and a heavy feeling. I was tempted to consider keeping a beautiful young ferret to fill the void but knew that there was another special ferret out there that really needed me.

A friend of mine and I were discussing a ferret who needed to be rescued from a bad situation, through the animal control officer a condemned house, vague and scary details. It had been a week or two and I hadn't heard anything about this ferret and hoped the situation was resolved. With everything else going on at the shelter, I didn't get a chance to follow up with her.

My friend Laurie called me on my cell phone on my way home to let me know that this ferret was now in custody and needed to go through the "ferret underground railroad". Although this was a serious situation, she sounded quite upbeat.

Ferret's coming to me in this manner don't usually have names but this one did..............OREO

I couldn't speak for a minute, was this a sign? I never have heard of another ferret with my Oreo's name.

My heart raced, was it him coming back? What did this ferret look like? I rattled off a million questions, what color? boy or girl? how old? None of that mattered, I knew this ferret was supposed to come to me!

As I walked from my car to the ferret entrance putting my cell phone away I looked down, there was a delivery,

it was my Oreo's ashes back from Angel View.

It's silly but I hugged the box, happy he was once again "home" and placed him in a place of honor next to my mom's ashes, top shelf.

Yesterday, several of us gathered at Rose German's house yesterday (Little Feet Ferret Retreat) for a luncheon, "Ferret Ladies who Lunch" (ha,ha), a welcome respite from my full time job as a mortgage underwriter (imagine how much fun that is these days) and other beyond full time job at South Shore Ferret Care.

There she was, a little black sable female, I spoke softly to her, blinked back a few tears, my mind drifting off for a second, crossing my eyes and hoping for some super special telecommic powers...........and then she bit me!

Yep, There's my sign!

It was as if my Oreo was saying "silly Mama, it's not me Oreo coming back, I just SENT her to you!

She has the same name so you would know that it was ME sending HER to you!!

Pay attention Mama, uncross your eyes! Huh, she doesn't even look anything like me, and she's a GIRL, hello!

I'm over the bridge splashing in the reflecting pool so you can't help but focus. You've got more work to do, so KEEP GOING! They offered to give me back my leg but I didn't want it cause you said it made me extra special"

After my first visit with the new ferret Oreo girl, and still sucking on my finger, too embarrassed to tell the others, Eleanor Mead gave me a special present. It was a special ferret figurine with beautiful blue wings lying down looking up with a "LuvU" look, guess what, the figurine has three legs and inspired Eleanor to make him just that way, on the bottom it says Oreo!

What a great day we had! We even called April at Totally Ferret and each one of us sang Happy B-Day to her to get as much as we could donated to SOS. When it was my turn we did dook-dook-dook-dook-dook to the tune of Happy B-Day!

Today of course it's back to work. A bit sleepy from being up late with Michele's help at the shelter last night and early up to soup and medicate everyone, I stumble into work at the mortgage company.

Sometimes vendors send us things to entice us to send them more business, but with corporate budgets being tight in these financial times those little perks have all but ceased.

What's this on my desk? It's from one of the closing attorney's we haven't used for a while, a big glass jar of ..........

OREO cookies...................

So you decide, fate, signs, coincidence????

Messages from the reflecting pool, SPLASH,

Thanks- Oreo!

Mama is paying attention and misses you too!

Diane Wall

South Shore Ferret Care

PS. The new girl he sent me will be called "Aria" we have made friends, despite her biting my ankle this morning, because my heart can "sing" again.............

On a Sadder note....

2008-08-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

We lost our little 3 legged guy Oreo this morning.

More on Meelo's bionic knee....

2008-08-12T16:10:00.005-04:00

Well, as most of you know--Meelo was one of the OH guys that I rehabbed this past October-and I ended up keeping him as one of my own. Since I've had him, he's had a knee injury--he favors his right back leg and can't really bend it. Knowing some of the atrocities that those kids experienced, we could only surmise that it was an injury he had experienced while he was at the "bad place".

The vet and I had spoken about it-- the current "standard" of treating an ACL injury in an animal under 10 lbs is rest. I attempted to "rest him' as best I could (insert incredulous laughter here), but we all know that it is near impossible to rest a ferret for an indeterminate amount of time (they have to come out of the cage eventually and then they would be more maniacal than ever) . So, I left him free range and gave it some time . As as he started to feel better (he had some bad teeth removed and was put on Prednisone for Insulinoma) he's become more active (he's also put on some more muscle mass--he is now almost 4 lbs) and I can see him trying to run around and dance. So, I feel as though his knee is impacting his quality of life. I also fear that with his attempt at more activity and his increased muscle mass--he will blow out the knee completely.

So, I brought it up with the vet once again--asking if she thought there was ANYTHING that we could do--splint, etc--and she seriously recommended surgery. I made an appt for the next week to have him assessed again.

Truth be told, I hadn't much experience with ACL surgeries, other than knowing about other animals had had it done--and what happened after--I didn't know the nitty gritty details.

When we went back, we went through all of my questions, along with her giving me a detailed step by step re: what was entailed in this surgery. As far as either one of us knows, ACL surgery has not been performed on ferrets (or at least, been documented). but, we decided to go ahead and do it.

So, here's the bottom line:

To my knowledge, an ACL surgery has not been done on ferrets, so we don't know how it's going to hold up (CON)

My vet is extremely knowledgable re: ferrets (PRO)

I totally trust my vet--and wouldn't recommend a sugery for the money or excitement of a new surgery unless she truly believed it would be beneficial (PRO)

She is super honest will me and has stated that since it's not been done before, we have no way of knowing how it's going to hold up (PRO--because of the honesty) I actually am not paying for it because it is a teaching case and we have no way of knowing how it will turn out

She has also done tons of ACL surgeries on dogs and cats so is very comfortable with the basic mechanics (PRO)

Although she is comfortable with the mechanics, there are some things that have to be done differently, regarding the size of a ferret (for example: they usually use a special type of fishing line, that has proven itself--with Meelo she will have to use regular sutures and although strong--we are not sure how it will show itself over time regarding stretching, etc) (CON)

Since ACL injuries seem to be diagnosed in ferrets more often recently--this is an amazing opportunity to see if a more effective way of treating is possible (PRO)

Although he is a small animal--for a ferret, he is large, so he is a good candidate to be "first ferret" (PRO) when he had his teeth out, she told me that was the beefiest ferret arm she's ever put a catheter in... LOL

After surgery, he will have to have cage rest--but that is doable, since the only thing we have to be concerned about (re: reinjury) are his sutures--and once the incision starts to heal, then he can move around more.

I requested to observe and she said I could, however, the surgery is going to be so small, I wouldn't be able to see anything. The vet has told me that she is going to document everything--and I am going to keep a log and pictures for documentation also.

Please, keep him in your prayers/thoughts/well wishes. I will keep you all posted.

Meelo and his bionic knee....

2008-08-05T14:36:00.002-04:00

Ha ha, just kidden. I don't have much time, but I figured it was time to write something--and since I finally have something other than helping someone to the bridge, I thought I would share.

I have a vet appt tomorrow to discuss a potential ACL surgery for Meelo. Now, did I mention that they typically don't do ACL surgery on Ferrets? The treatment for anything under 10 lbs is typically "rest it" . HAHAHAHAHAHA--that's so funny. At this point, I don't have any details, I am just considering the options-so, I will post back once I've have more of a handle on it.

Be well!

Loki lost her valiant battle

2008-06-29T17:17:00.003-04:00

well, since I believe that I've been one of the most neglectful bloggers EVER, I figured it was time to get my shit together and post something. It's going to take me a while to catch up--and it might be a little confusing because the timeline is going to be going back and forth--but, I will do my best to clarify.

I am going to restart with a post about Loki--and honestly--I think part of why I haven't posted in so long is because I knew I needed to start with this--and I wasn't sure what to say that would honor her in the way that she deserves--I'm still not sure what to say-but sometimes-as they say "you gotta shit or get off the pot"

So, I will begin with the beginning--literally. Loki was my very first ferret--she was the first step leading me on the path that I truly believe I am meant to travel. I know, sounds like an awful lot of responsibility for a little 1 1/2 lb sable fluffball--but, she was certainly up for it!

I've always been an animal person--and I didn't dislike ferrets--I thought they were cute but I really didn't know that much about them. Rich had never owned them--but he had friends who had them in the past and loved them--and he also knows me well enouph to know that I would love them also. So, once we actually decided it was a possibility--we obtained as much information as possible--did our research--decided we wanted to adopt. (we researched for 3 months before we even made the definitive decision to adopt)

In the meantime, a friend of a friend had to give up his ferret so we were going to meet him and see if we were all a good fit. Without going into alot of detail, it fell through and we figured it "wasn't meant to be" at that particular time.

About a month later (at the time, Rich was working in the fish dept at Petco on weekends-and he put the word out that if any ferrets got turned in, give him a call) Rich got a call that someone had just brought a little girl in--and before I could blink, he was back at home with an adorable little 4 month old girl.

From day one, Loki has always been Mama's little girl--and she was very much a people ferret. She was funny, sweet and introduced me to the wonderful world of weasledom. She didn't seem to mind being an only ferret, but all of the information I saw said that ferrets need a buddy--one of their own kind. So, once again that situation provided itself and we rescued Coyle (that is anther story for another time)

The funny thing is, when we brought Coyle home--she looked at him and then us like "and WHAT is THIS???" I've since realized that she did need to be with her own kind--but since she considered herself a person, she was just fine with Mama and Dada. LOL

The funniest thing about her is that she was never aggressive and frightened of any other ferrets--she just didn't consider herself on the same level with them--and in my experience thus far--she is still kind of an anomaly--because typically someone who doesn't like other ferrets is aggressive or afraid--and once they conquer that, they love the other ferrets. That wasn't the case with her--she was the queen and as long as everyone else realized that, things were all good. She did eventually frolic and play with Coyle (and later Dusty) and typically set them up to carry off one of her schemes--but everyone knew who was in charge.

Again, she tolerated the other ferrets but if a person was around, she was miss gregarious. She went over to them--introduced herself, crawled all over them, etc. I used her a couple times in a program at an elementary school and she was in her glory. As I got more into the rescue part of things, she would warm up to some of the fosters (especially if they were sick).

As time went on, I noticed she wasn't right, I won't post about it now, but if anyone is interested, they can get some of the details on some of my prior posts: VENT about Non shelter ferret , Loki Update and therebye the grace of God, Go I....

She was hanging in there but she was slowly declining. Rich and I had a cruise coming up and I was really stressing about it because I suspected that she would do well with changes at that point. She must have known that she wouldn't either because she started experiencing breathing difficulties and when we rushed her to the vet, one of her lungs had collapsed and I made the decision to let her go. It was two days before we were scheduled to leave.

As heartbroken as I was (and still am) I was also relieved. She told me it was time to go and I was here to listen. In the course of her illness, I was very aware that she was not going to get better, so I was very careful to live my life with her as though I might not get a tomorrow. I didn't want to live with the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" So, I spent my time with her in a way that I wouldn't have to--when it was time for her to go, I had no regrets (other than the obvious one that I was losing her) I was able to look at Sue (the vet) through my tears and tell her that I wouldn't have done anything differently. How amazing--How often in our lives do we get that opportunity?

That is an amazing gift--one of many she has given me.

So, I will finish this today with the precious moment I had with her about four months before I lost her--knowing this day would come.

Forever Moments....
The House is still as I lay asleep on the futon. Below my consciousness, I feel a little brush against my face. Thinking that I am dreaming, I sigh and fall back into sleep. But there it is again, like little butterfly wings, gently kissing my cheeks.

I lie there, floating in that state between sleep and wakefulness I feel it again--along my chin-my nose, my lips, my eyes. As it continues, I finally surface and slowly open my eyes. It is Loki.

Having awakened from her perch in her split hammock--she comes over to the futon to rub her whiskers and nose all along my face. As I lay their unmoving, she continues to give my face her little whiskery kisses until she is done.

She pats my cheek with her nose one last time as if to say "I love you mama, now I'm going back to bed" and toddles back to her hammie to fall back to sleep.

I am blessed, because I will have that moment forever... even after the lymphoma has finally won the battle she continues to wage--I will have that moment. I will be able to pluck it from my heart-where all such memories are safely tucked away.

My first little sable baby, blessing her mama's face with her sweet little whiskery kisses.

and now time to say hello to two more....

2008-03-28T14:45:00.002-04:00

I've gotten two more babies, because I was concerned that Latte didn't have anyone to run around and muck with like she did with Goliath and Coyle (but Goliath got them going) So, in another shelter close by, there had been a beautiful little champagne girl that I feel in love with a couple weeks ago when I was there... So, I called the shelter mom and asked if she was still there-and she was. So, I made an appt to go get her (she is only about 6 months)

Well, while I was there, another young girl (also about 6 months) caught my eye and I fell in love with her--So, I ended up bringing her home also. Their names are now : Tempest (the black sable point girl) and Mari (pronounced Mah-ree-the champagne girl) They are settling in, but Mari is a beast!! She has been mucking about with everyone (which is really funny, because the boys deserve it) but poor Latte doesn't know what to make out of her--she's actually kind of horrified!!

I'd be concerned, but I know that they just have to work their hierarchy out (because Mari is apparently very dominant and trying to establish that going in) and once it's been determined, it will all be fine. I'll get pics soon (my camera ran out of batteries) LOL

Time to say Goodbye to one more friend.

2008-03-20T00:15:00.001-04:00

It is with a broken heart that I let you know that Goliath made his final trip to the bridge tonight. He hadn't been feeling himself, so I made an appt with his regular vet for tomorrow.

During the course of this evening, he started to crash and was scaring me. I brought him to the Animal Emergency Center in W. Bridgewater where they immediatly took him out back as by that point, he was cold and minimally responsive. They did bloodwork and an emergency ultrasound where it was determined that his organs were starting to shut down and he had 2 masses in either his liver or spleen most likely due to lymphoma. It did not appear as though he would make it through the night, so I made the decision to let him go.

He passed quietly in my arms with one final sigh.

He will be sorely missed and my house will not be the same. One more friend has passed.

Goodbye my sweet boy, I love you. Be well, and until we meet again...

May the road rise up to meet you.May the wind always be at your tail.May the sun shine warm upon your whiskers,and rains fall soft upon your fur.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

But something good did happen today....

2008-03-18T18:39:00.002-04:00

Diane and I have a saying and it is "we learn on the backs of the ones that have gone before" --meaning, each ferret that comes in teaches us something--most especially the sick ones--because what we learn from them, can help us help many others.

Well, something good did happen today--as we were at the vet for Kawzi--the vet happened to mention to Diane that at some point, she wanted to get the oldies in to test their albumin. Now, to backtrack--that was the first indicator of Loki's lymphoma--even when she was asymptomatic-and it wasn't typically something that they tested for re" lymphoma. Well, after her (the dr's) experience with Loki--it started to be something that she looked for more often--and found it.

So, my little Loki will have helped improve the quality of care for multitudes of ferrets to come--they will be able to go on pred--and have it help with the disease management prior to enlargment of lymph nodes... so, hopefully they will be able to live longer or at least more comfortably.

Wow, how amazing.

Time to say Goodbye to my Kawzi....

2008-03-18T15:45:00.003-04:00

There’s an empty spot in a hammock today
Someone we’ve loved not coming out to play
But the days of playing they dwindled to a few
And Momma’s voice is all they knew

They’ve gone over the moon and beyond the stars
Our tears follow them to where they are
They are mending and adding on wings
While we remain here handling things

No time to grieve and wallow here
There are also others that we hold dear
They need us too and as we sigh
We are honored to be the last to cry and kiss them goodbye….

~Diane Wall~

Until we meet again, my friend. I Love you.

Every day is a gift....

2008-03-10T14:48:00.004-04:00

Loki was going in for her monthly check up today--and I called to add Kawzi because he hasn't been doing very well. I needed the Dr to check him out--as right now (after so many recent losses) I don't trust myself to be objective enouph to make the decision to let him go on my own.

IJust got back from the Vet with Kawzi and Loki... Loki is doing well (despite looking like a blowfish) and Kawzi is still with me--YAY. She (the DR) thinks he has some time left. I was so afraid that I was going to be leaving the dr's without him. But, just to be safe we got some pain meds (if he needs them) and increased his pred. At this point, every day with him is a gift and I'm just glad to have him one more day...

It never gets any easier to say goodbye...

2008-03-06T12:06:00.002-05:00

We are going to the vet at 1:40 today to send Bandit Boy to the bridge. I wasn't counting, but Diane mentioned that he is the 6th ferret we've lost, in 8 weeks. He has been with us for a little over a year.

This is the part of rescue that people don't realize. That we constantly take on other people's heartaches. We do as much as we can--and then it comes to the point where all we can do is cry over them as we release them from their pain--and think of all the ones that have gone on before.

So, this afternoon, he will be freed from the chains of a body that no longer wants to work for him--to soar and fly--to romp and dook in a way that we were never blessed to view (as he was already sickly and special when we got him)

Be free and fly my little man--please tell Blinkley, BoBo, Jonah, Fergie, Cali, Dusty, Missy, Milo (and all of the other South Shore Ferret Care babies) that I love them and miss them.

Until we meet again.

Forever moments....

2008-02-17T09:27:00.003-05:00

The House is still as I lay asleep on the futon. Below my conciousness, I feel a little brush against my face. Thinking that I am dreaming, I sigh and fall back into sleep. But there it is again, like little butterfly wings, gently kissing my cheeks.

I lie there, floating in that state between sleep and wakefulness I feel it again--along my chin-my nose, my lips, my eyes. As it continues, I finally surface and slowly open my eyes. It is Loki.

Having awakened from her perch in her split hammack--she comes over to the futon to rub her whiskers and nose all along my face. As I lay their unmoving, she continues to give my face her little whiskery kisses until she is done.

She pats my cheek with her nose one last time as if to say "I love you mama, now I'm going back to bed" and toddles back to her hammie to fall back to sleep.

I am blessed, because I will have that moment forever... even after the lymphoma has finally won the battle she continues to wage--I will have that moment. I will be able to pluck it from my heart-where all such memories are safely tucked away.

My first little sable baby, blessing her mama's face with her sweet little whiskery kisses.

One more reason weasle's amuse me....

2008-02-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

Let me start this by saying that Ferret's are odd little critters--and that is part of the reason that I love them so much--because I also am a little odd. For some reason, ferrets love feet--and some of them absolutely go insane for white socks. Some take them out of the laundry, some bite your toes while you walk across the room--and some, like my little Latte, try to take them off your feet so she can carry them off.

Because I know this about her, I very rarely hang out in the ferret room without slippers on-but there have been times when I've fallen asleep on the futon, my slippers have fallen off and (after she carries off my slippers) I've woken up to little sharp teethies nibbling on my toes, trying to take my socks off. At that point, I usually take them off, give them to her and she carries them off (after all, it's not like I don't know where her hidey hole is and I can always retrieve them)

Well, last night Rich was hanging out on the futon (with his shoes off and no slippers) and Latte decided that she just HAD to have daddy's socks. I told him he should just take them off and give them to her (it makes your life alot easier, as she is VERY persistant--Yeah, I know--I give into the ferrets like I would NEVER give in to Sandy) but for some reason he had to be stubborn (to which I say--pick your battles--the ferrets are always gonna win, they are just "that kind of critter" so. why waste your energy?) so, he took them off and tried to put them in a place where she couldn't get them (without getting off the futon) HAHAHA--did I mention that she's persistant???

So, she got a hold of one of his socks and tried to carry it off--he grabbed it in an attempt to save it--and my little beastie started to hiss at him (mind you, she had a face full of sock--and did I mention that in the 3 months I've had her, I've NEVER heard her hiss--even when playing with her Woosligan brothers...) Well, since she is only 2 lbs, and he is signifigantly more than that--he was able to retrieve the sock. But she was MMAAAAADDDD!!! LOLOLOL

Weasles make me laugh--and God knows, I needed it yesterday!!

Oh yeah--an update on Oreo: we took him back to the Dr and she retested his blood glucose--it was low still, so he's now on Prednisone and Diazoxide. She also did a fecal and apparently, he had a cootie so was put on Flagyl--everyone hates flagyl, but it seems to be helping as he is eating much better-and we actually saw him eat kibble--YAY! So, what probably happened last week, was his tummy was bothering him, he didn't eat--which caused him BG to go down--and subsegquently led to hypoglycemia and siezures...

Tribute to Missy Moo Moo

2008-02-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

Miss Moo Moo (Missy) came to the shelter with two other ferrets about 3 or so years ago as a result of a criminal case. She (along with her two brothers) stayed at the shelter as they had various health issues. At that time, she was adrenal--later on she developed insulinoma along with a massive growth in her abdomen.

When I met her a few years ago, she was a little bald fiesty scrawny girl. She had a tuft of fur on her head and all four ankles and that was about it. She was one of the first ferrets to whom we gave Meletonin implant. After the implant, she gained weight and grew her luxurious fur back--although she was still feisty (not a mean fiesty, she just didn't take crap from anyone....LOL) She loved her babies (little stuffed animals) and would carry them around the room with her (even if they were bigger than her) and WOE to the ferret that tried to mess with her babies--they soon learnedwhy Miss Moo was the boss of the room!!

For the past couple months, she hadn't been doing so hot and we nursed her along as best we could. It seemed her insulinoma was getting worse and the abdomenal growth was getting pretty significant--We just nursed her and kept an eye on her--she'd bounced back before.

For the past week, she's been fighting her medicine and yesterday, her back end stopped working. She wasn't in pain, she was dragging herself around the room, but it was obvious that it was neurological and the growth had pressed something in her spine. Through yesterday and today, she started to develop sores (because she was having problems eliminating)

We brought her to the dr a short time ago and the three of us made the decision to help her over the bridge. Almost to the moment she passed, she was still our fiesty little missy moo--who seemed to have the will, but her little body was just giving out on her.

I think that this is when it's the hardest for me--not when they seem to have given up and you can tell they are done--but when their little bodies are totally breaking down...but that spark still seems to be flickering.

They are all special--but there was something extraordinary about Miss Moo. She almost made it to her tenth birthday--but now she is at the bridge and is running around with her brothers and other friends from the shelter.

Good bye Miss Moo--it won't be the same without you. Mama and Aunty love you more than we can express. Rest well, until we meet again.

Loki and Kawzi go to the vet....

2008-02-12T17:03:00.000-05:00

Loki and Kawzi had a vet appt yesterday....Loki her monthly check up and Kawzi because I had some suspicions that were unfortunatley prooved correct.

Loki is doing well... considering. She now looks like a blowfish and has bloomed to a voluptous 2 + bls (she was originally 1 1/4 and most of the weight gain is edema) but she is trucking along--she was fiesty enouph at the Dr's to growl at them when they took her temp--and then tried to climb up the vets pant leg to explore. We are paying attention to her quality of life and not her clinical symptoms--I can only Thank God that she still seems comfortable and is doing her thing.

Kawzi has lymphoma. His abdomen had enlarged within the past week and the lymph nodes at the back of his neck and legs popped up. There is nothing additionally that we can do for him, as he is already on a substantial dose of Pred (for his insulinoma) The vet noticed a little bit of wheezing (through the stethescope) so we believe that the lymph nodes might be starting to occlude his breathing. As of now (other than him lying on his back) there have been no signifigant breathing changes, but that is what I have to watch out for. Zu Zu knows he is sick--when they are out in the room, he walks around sticking his head into beds until he finds Kawzi and then climbs in on top of him (which Kawzi does not always appreciate...lol)

I will just have to continue on with what I've been doing--getting as many Kawzi doggy kissies as I can--and keeping him as comfortable as possible.

Sometimes I hate being right. :-(

The story of Oreo....

2008-02-11T15:38:00.001-05:00

Oreo came into the shelter about a month ago. He was brought to us from a man in CT who claimed the four ferrets in his possession had been abandoned to him 2 months before. He sounded desperate --so we made an appt for him to surrender the four of them to us. He was coming on a Saturday and the shelter director repeatedly asked him if they had any health problems and if it was possible, to come as early as possible on Saturday so we could get them to the vet if need be (mind you, she typically does not respond this way--so, her gut feeling should have clued us in) He claimed that 2 were in very good good health, one was naked (which we knew to be adrenal) and the fourth had a pea sized growth on his back leg.

When the man arrived at 1:45. we took the weasles out of the carrier to take a look at them...2 energetic ferrets bounded out, with a little naked girl toddling out shortly behind them. When the director reached her hand in to pull the last ferret out--we both looked at him in stunned horror--this "pea sized growth" was in actuality a wound that the vet later described as "if he was a larger animal, I would say this came from getting stuck in a bear trap" other than that, it defies description. The edges were already necrotic--and how he wasn't septic, I will NEVER know.

I grabbed him and the carrier--and the director grabbed the phone to find someone we could bring him to. By the grace of God--one of our ferret savy vets answered the phone (even though they were closed ) and told us to bring him in.

On my way out to the car, the "gentleman" stopped me to ask if I was going somewhere with the carrier--to which I responded "yes, I need to get him to the vet right now" he then said "I'm sorry, I need that carrier back, can you switch him to another one?" Fortunatley, I was focused on the task at hand, which meant that Ididn't react emotionally to that (which would have been bad, as I prob would have shoved the carrier someplace that it would have been difficult for him to retrieve) I switched the carriers out and was on my way.

When I got to the vet and she looked at his leg--it was determined that his leg was prettty much gone--it was locked up from his toes to his hip and there were only 2 treatment options available at this time--one was euthanasia and the other was amputation. As I stood there, looking down at his little face, I remember thinking "look at this face, he is not ready--I don't know how we could send him to the bridge" while also thinking "we don't even know how old he is, or any other health problems--is it fair to expect him to acclimate to a lost limb, after the life he's probably already had?

Knowing what a difficult decision we faced--the dr said we didn't have to decide "right now" that this had been going on for quite some time, and as long as we treated him, we could think about it and let her know on Monday. So I gratefully grabbed that option--they cleaned it as best they could, put topical antibiotic on it, wrapped it (pretty much casted it) and then put him on a very high dose of antibiotic.

He and I went back to the shelter and after soulsearching and research--we made the decision to amputate (I have to add that he never even tried to take the cast off--which is amazing, even for a sick ferret) His leg was removed that Monday and he slowly recovered. However, he seemed to be exceptionally lethargic, so we brought him back to the vet where he was diagnosed with Insulinoma and subsequently put on Prednisone.

He continued to slowly improve, even sometimes doing a little "modified war dance" and nibbling at the director when he got frisky-until he started having seizures on Superbowl Sunday. The director called me in a panic around 11:30 PM--and between the 2 us of, we were able to get him back.

After some feeding and medication adjustments, he seems to be doing ok and is hanging in there.

He is on a long road--but hopefully with the love and care we've been giving him, he will continue to improve.

Yeah, I've been a total deadbeat...

2008-01-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I know, I've been a total deadbeat--so, I am taking the time to at least post about some of the stuff that's been going on--probably will do it it bits and pieces (or not) depending on my mood)

Hmmm....Well, as you can imagine, I was pretty messed up about the Cali and Dusty thing for quite some time--I couldn't seem to shake it--so, bearing that in mind, I was not really in a great place for Christmas. Not to mention that right before Christmas, I had my port-o cath placed and I was a hurting puppy. I was expecting it to be NO BIGGIE--and it certainly was more of a biggie than I was expecting, so I wasn't feeling well in addition to everything else--even above that I just didn't generally feel well (MS Stuff) so, I started feeling better and I got this flu that totally knocked me on my ass--for the past two weeks--It's crazy!! So, that' pretty much the reason I haven't been posting--I just kind of burrowed under a rock (as much as I could) and hung out there a bit. But, I'm back. LOL

So, weasle stuff...hmmmm. I will try to remember everthing....

Meelo had infected scent glands (one symptom is indiscrminate poofing and sleep poofing--and let me tell you, THAT is just DElightful!) So, I brought him to the vet (bear in mind, that none of the vets around here have experience with intact scent glands--as it's state law in MA that all ferrets that are sold in the state be Altered--and when the big farms do altering, they descent also--it's not legal to own a sexually intact ferret in MA unless you are a shelter--and you are expected to alter them within a reasonable amount of time and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES adopt an intact ferret out) As you all know, we got them altered, but chose not to descent as it was unnecessary.

So, after doing research and concurring with the vet that Ferret scent glands are physiologically comparable to Feline anal sacs--so, she just needed to express them and view it under the microscope. OMG--I have never smelled anything like this. It Literally smelled up the whole hospital--and we weren't really prepared as none of us had ever been in that situation before. There were experienced techs gagging--the poor vet told me later--that she felt like the stench stuck to her all day and she didn't feel better until she got home and took a shower. I was running around the hospital lighting odor absorbing candles (thank God they sell them there)

However, once he got home and got on the antibiotics, he hasn't poofed once. So, after seeing what happed with Meelo, we needed to take the two OH kids that the shelter director kept and bring them in also--because they obviously were having the same problem. LUCKY ME--I got to take them too (she actually offered to come meet me at the vet during her lunch hour, but since she works in a professional environment---unless she had time to shower and change clothes--it was best she wasn't there....)

They got better--THEN Goliath started having a problem--and when I took him in, he was the worse than all of the other three put together... (but we were smart and contained it) So, now he is much better also--although, if it happens again--they will be having their scent glands removed. Ok, that is enouph for now. I will post this and then get started on the next edition.....

2007-12-03T21:47:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-10T00:11:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-09T23:58:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-11-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2007-11-01T20:39:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-31T16:16:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-29T20:12:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2007-10-19T16:05:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-15T19:43:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-10-11T12:56:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-10T11:23:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-03T15:45:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-09-28T23:02:00.000-04:00

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.....

2007-09-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-26T16:44:00.000-04:00

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....

2007-09-21T23:48:00.001-04:00

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

Phew.....

Oh MY.....

2007-09-21T12:40:00.000-04:00

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!!!!!!