HELP Animal Welfare - American Pet Magazine ...

...Continued from Page 31
Often, that first ferret is held in a special place in the heart. Morgan Tangren explained, “I’ve been a
ferrent for nine years now. My first ferret was a black roan from Marshall Farms. Her name was ‘Salem’ and
she was my heart ferret. Now I’ve had 6 ferrets over the years.” Lô Keckritz recently moved to the U.S. from
Brazil and has owned ferrets for 6 months now. Her transition has been eased by her ferret, ‘Pea-Nut’.
She said, “In my culture, we always keep family pretty close to us. I decided to follow my heart and leave
everything behind to be with my husband. I passed thru a hard time in my life. I used to stay at home all day by
myself, and I started to feel lonely in a quiet house. Since we got Pea-Nut, I’ve never felt lonely again. I’m
completely attached to that squeaky butt.” Jovonna Rainey described her first ferret, saying “We brought
‘Boo’ home and that is how I became owned by ferrets. Boo was deaf. Boo was fun! Boo was SO very special.
He was my teacher in ALL things ferret. He holds a most sacred place in my heart!”
Ferret ownership has changed over time in terms of the number of pets. Recent data gathered by the
AFA in its first-ever ferret census shows a marked increase in the past 10 years. This is based on over 2000
respondents, most with multiple ferrets. Indeed, the AFA’s Facebook page includes posts from many newer
owners, asking for support and advice on caring for their ferrets.
From little known “exotic” critters sleeping in aquariums to mainstreamed, beloved pets who even share
their owners’ beds, ferrets as a companion animal have come a long way! Products such as food, bedding and
toys specifically labeled for ferrets are readily available at pet stores. An increasing number of
veterinarians provide health care to ferrets. Ferret shows and fun events are scheduled across the county.
Think you might be ready to have your heart stolen by one of these little, furry thieves? Check out the AFA’s
list of many shelters and breeders who have ferrets waiting to meet you and possibly even go home with you
and change your life forever.
Learn more about ferrets and how to be an excellent ferrent on the American
Ferret Association website at www.ferret.org. You will find many articles on care
of ferrets as well as links to ferret breeders and shelters.
(The American Ferret Association, in existence since 1987, works to promote the domestic ferret as a companion animal through public education
via shows, newsletters, legislative education, and other venues; to protect the domestic ferret against anti-ferret legislation, mistreatment, unsound
breeding practices and overpopulation, needless scientific research, and any practice deemed to lower the health standards or survivability of the
animal; and to provide constant and up-to-date information about veterinarians, legislative activities, medical developments, research data, rescue
shelters and other information of interest to ferret fanciers everywhere. Visit us at www.ferret.org. We are also on Facebook and Twitter!)
Number of Ferret Owners
550
525
500
475
450
425
400
375
350
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
32 AmericanPetMagazine.com
Number of Ferret Owners
Year in Which First Ferret Was Purchased
‘Mac’ Photography by ©Sally Wood
National
Ferret Day
April 2nd