shelter website: www.ferretinn.org
Petfinder listing: http://www.petfinder.com
Recently my husband, Tom, reminded me that back in 2000, as my two almost-grown children were preparing to “leave the nest,” I said to him, “I think we should consider fostering a child.” It’s clear to me now there was room in my heart that has since been filled with weasel love!!
Circumstances (my daughter wanted one) led to my adoption of my first two ferrets, and I became hooked. The two had come from a shelter that was unable to provide the necessary level of care so important to these intelligent, interactive, inquisitive creatures; so I began volunteering. After six months of frustration and sadness that my efforts made very little difference, I opened up a room in my house and began a very small ferret-care operation. My intention was, and continues to be, to provide a clean, enriching, loving, happy environment for these furry unfortunates in need. In addition, it was my goal to ensure that no ferret would go without needed medical treatment or surgery.
My original group of 15 ferrets very quickly grew to 25, and it was obvious we needed a bigger space to accommodate everyone. In the first year, we expanded The Ferret Inn as Tom finished our basement solely to accommodate the ferrets. The spare room is now used for boarding.
Darwin’s story
I brought Darwin in from the Baltimore Animal Rights Coalition (BARC) on September 13, 2007. He had been dropped off by the mother of his owner, who had been incarcerated for 8 weeks. Unaware that her son had any pets, she had gone to his apartment to clean it out and discovered two very young ferrets that had been left unattended, for approximately 8 weeks, in a crate. There was no evidence of food or water having been provided. One of the babies had been surviving on the decomposing remains of his cage mate.
Darwin was about 4.5 months old when he came to The Ferret Inn; there was little hope of his surviving such neglect.
Yet, in the 2008 Winter Nationals in York, Pennsylvania, Darwin placed first in a ring of The Companion class of the ferret show. Bright and energetic, with a beautiful coat of lustrous fur, he was quite a handsome sight. From near death, to the winners circle, with lots of love, patience, and good food. This boy is THRIVING!!!
We are proud to report that since 2000, we have placed over 900 hundred ferrets, and in 2007 alone, have provided over 40 ferrets with adrenal and insulinoma surgeries. We are also grateful to be working with a licensed animal acupuncturist who does amazing ongoing work with many of our terminal kids - - those for whom surgery is not an option.
Due to a large influx of ferrets from the McKay rescue (from which we still have two), and surrenders at an all time high, we have had to double our capacity. Also, a majority of our unadoptable/permanent residents - - those having biting, social or health issues - - are becoming geriatric, and those that have come in as discards as elders are in need of surgery or costly ongoing medical treatment. The biggest continuing challenge for The Ferret Inn is financial/ fundraising. As our numbers have swelled to 65 plus, our expenses have grown as well.
For the past 7 years, with a handful of dedicated volunteers, and selfless contributions of time and donations, the shelter is no longer financed and maintained solely by Tom and I. and we now have achieved our non-profit 501 status.
As a shelter mom, wife and mother, the greatest challenge is finding balance. You notice I call myself a shelter mom first. I am still working on the balancing act! My biggest challenge, personally and in order to sleep well at night, is to know that I have done my absolute best in caring for, and finding the best home for, each of these deserving creatures. I am happy to say that I am sleeping well.
Nancy Wilson
Director, The Ferret Inn