Adoptions

To date, 30 April, 2000, 295 ferrets have found their way to our shelter. Of these, one was reunited with his owner, 13 became permanent wards of the Society, 10 have died or been put to sleep for humane reasons, two became the Society's mascot, and another 232 ferrets were placed in new homes. Currently, 39 ferrets are awaiting adoption and we have 0 more waiting to come into foster care. Many of these animals require extensive medical care (see the case histories of Ophelia and Mojo), much of which is dental work. The total cost of care for these animals has been over $30,000, averaging about $120 per ferret. To date, all medical expenses have been paid through adoption fees, with the shortfall made good by the Directors of the Society and the generosity of our vets who are willing to hold a substantial debt.

Before you consider getting a ferret as a pet, please recognise the responsibility that you are taking. To this end, please read the following poem about Bandit, a neglected ferret who was rescued too late.

"Bandit"

Listless, and lying,
Fur matted and dull
"Bandit" lay crying,
Heart shattered, a shell.

Left in his cage,
All day and all night,
His life was such
That more food gave a fright!

His water was empty
Food bowl overturned
He filt kinda dizzy,
His stomach still churned.

Once he was loved
A long time ago
Felt young hands stroking,
That maded his heart glow!

Now he felt nothing,
No more was life fun.
His heart was empty
Now he had no-one.

His cage had felt big,
For it was just a bed.
No runs in the house now,
He may as well be dead.

He watched as his 'owner'
Walked past to the van,
Now left in the garage,
He rarely saw 'man.'

He slept all the time,
No toys in the cage.
If he'd had the heart,
He would be enraged!

Bandit lay crying,
Spine clearly shown,
Bandit lay dying,
His life overthrown.

One day he was taken.
Moved out of his cell,
He was badly shaken,
Now in for more hell!

Jaws latched on tight
A reaction of fear,
A hand gently stroked,
Too late now to care.

In his new cage,
Belly now tight,
Bandit's short life
Ended that night.

He died with some comfort,
Soft bedding and food
His water now filled,
(So much it was lewd!)

Bandit died knowing
That someone did care
Died with a heart
Full of love that was shared.

For those that no longer
Can care for their charges
Their lives are being begged for
By Bandit, and others

Before it's too late
(As it was with poor Bandit)
Go, take that baby,
To a shelter, do hand it

Do one final thing
For the love they have shown you
And give them a chance
To show others love, too.

By Sam Young, New Zealand

The Adoption Process

At FIRST, the adoption process is oriented to finding the ferrets for which we have taken responsibility the best possible homes. We want these homes to be permanent, so the utmost care is taken in assessing the placements. Nothing is accomplished if the ferret is unwanted within a few months and, if he is lucky, returned to the Society.

To this end, our adoption supervisors interview every potential adoptor to ascertain the level of ferret knowledge, the reasons for wanting a ferret as a companion, the lifestyle, and the home environment. We then compare the potential adoptor's circumstances with the dispositions and needs of the ferrets in foster care and match the animals a closely as possible to the potential home.

Ferrets are not suitable to everyone's lifestyle, so we want to ensure that the individual is aware of all aspects of ferretdom: The nipping, the odd hours, the mischeivousness that comes from the high intelligence and curiousity, and the potential problems of litter-training, illnessess, etc. We will recommend reading, visiting fosters, and talking with about ferrets. Many people are enchanted with a friend's docile ferret or the sleeping angels in the pet store. These are not the average ferret. We want to educate you before you adopt. Remember, ferrets are like two-year-old children: Just because they're cute, doesn't mean they are angels!

If the potential adoptor looking for a companion for his current ferret, we still review ferret care with the potential adopter to make sure he is as aware as possible about diet, illnesses, etc. But in this case, the disposition of the adopter's current ferret takes presidence. Our adoption supervisors will choose fosters of a matching of age and personality to that of the adopter's ferret. The adoptor and his ferret must meet the fosters, as it will be the ferret who decide on who is adopted.

Whether adopting a ferret into a ferretless house or getting a companion for the household ferret, the adoption process is the same. Potential adoptors are put in contact with the fosters who are caring for the most suitable ferrets. The adoptor meets the fosters and the ferrets personally so thah he can ask about the personality of the ferret, get to know him, and see if they get along. Afterward the meeting, the potential adoptor goes home to consider which ferret to adopt. He speaks with the adoption supervisor to discuss how well he and the ferrets got along and the best match is selected. A meeting to sign the Adoption Agreement is arranged, and, thereafter, the new adopter can make arrangements to pick up his new ferret.

Fees

Adoption fees are $95.00 for each healthy, vaccinated, descented, and neutered/spayed ferret. All ferrets receive full medical care before adoption and remain in foster care until they are ready for a new home. A personal interview and the completion of an adoption AGREEMENT is required.