KEPT IN A DARK, UNHEATED GARAGE, DURING AN ILLINOIS WINTER...

On March 5th, 2008, Mary & Noel joined the family at Zoo`s Ferret 

Sanctuary. These two were being kept in the back of a pitch black, 

unheated garage. One had to step over boxes, piles of newspapers--and 

even climb over a snowblower to get to the filthy cage...They were being 

starved. They only had a hammy, and each other.

Mary weighed 14 ounces. Noel weighed only 12 1/2 ounces. They were 

nothing but fragile bones, upholstered with fur...So thin. I honestly doubt if

 Noel would have made it another 24-48 hours without massive help. I

 gave them fluids, B complex injections, & carafate for days...

We had to keep the shades drawn in the quarantine room for several days,

 and only use the night light, because light hurt their eyes.

Noel would snarf down mass amounts of food, as if she feared she would

 never eat again----and then she would vomit. Mary would try to block her

 from the bowl, as if her own life depended on it..

Both girls had severe mouth ulcers. I have never seen a ferret with ulcers 

care to eat--but these girls were trying!!!

When they got out to play, one or the other would suddenly stop, run back

 to the cage, up the ramp, and check to see if there was really still food in 

the bowl. This continued, until just a few weeks ago.

It is now early May, and Noel has gained 9 1/2 ounces. Mary has gained 7

 ounces. They are only about two years old--and this was in their favor. We

 will have to see what the long-term effects will be. At present, they are 

feisty, & doing very well. They run with the Star Wars group (a group

 comprised of many cages of the more energetic ones here.)

We had a visit, last Saturday, from the lady who brought them to us. I 

can`t tell you how much I admire her. She discovered a bad situation, was

 able to get the people to give the ferrets up--and then drove well over an 

hour to get them safely here.

Now, all these weeks later, she returned with her family, and saw how 

happy & beautiful the little dark-eyed white girls have become. She has

 taught her young daughter compassion, kindness, commitment, and 

generosity, through example. (Very important lessons in today`s world!) 

This youngster realizes how much of a difference can be made, in even a

 tiny little life! She will never forget her visits here. They brought paper 

towels, bleach, and distilled water--and left a (second!) donation for our

 sanctuary. Also important, were the wonderful hugs we all shared. They

 will be back.

Blessed is the mother who teaches her child to care.

Love, Zoo

Mary, May 8th, 2008

                        Noel