shelter website: www.oxfordrescue.org
Claudia’s life with ferrets began in 1998 after she adopted Zeke, a ferret given up because his young owner no longer wanted him. She began volunteering for Oxford Ferret Rescue the next year and before she knew it, was the shelter operator.
With 70 ferrets needing care, Claudia is up 5 hours before she needs to leave for her full-time job to begin their daily care. Exercising separate play groups, cleaning cages and medicating ferrets takes time, but the ferrets make it worth it. The shelter has been blessed to have dedicated volunteers who help with fundraising, emergency pick-up and anywhere else there is a need.
Every shelter operator has a special place in their heart for the first abuse case and Claudia is no different. Samantha Jane came to the shelter after being found in a dumpster. Just skin and bones when she came in, Claudia decided to give Samantha Jane a forever home at the shelter where she became the perfect ferret.
There are challenges with caring for so many ferrets and one of the hardest things for Claudia to do is to have to make the rare decision to not take in a ferret. She works hard to give alternatives, but she doesn’t like when she has to do it.
The best part for Claudia about sheltering is seeing the ferrets find good forever homes, the goal of every shelter. Many times the new owners stay in touch and often they become the volunteers who help so much.