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ADOPTING from SHELTERS VS. BUYING at PETSTORE |
Since we have both purchased ferrets from petstores [Bandit, Bear, and Blitz] as well as adopted ferrets from a shelter [Basil, Sasha, and Raven] we feel experienced enough to compare the two with the minimum of bias ... [for details, see the Extreme Weezils' Story : Evolution of a Ferret Family page.
 Regardless of where you get your ferret friend, certain constants remain, which follow : |
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If you cannot adopt one or two shelter ferrets, please consider fostering ... if you cannot foster, please consider donating to a local ferret or other animal shelter ... |
If you are in the Seattle, WA area, check out the Best Little Rabbit, Rodent, and Ferret House in North Seattle, or just go online and browse their ONLINE CATALOG! |
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Kouri's Fan Club is not only a high-ranking member of the Extreme Weezils' Special Friends list, but Kouri ALSO helps out S.O.S. - Support Our Shelters. READ MORE ABOUT SOS BELOW .... Visit Kouri's Fan Club Support Our Shelters Page to learn about how YOU can donate even just a SMALL donation, such as $20 {or more!] In return, you not only receive the personal satisfaction that you helped change a ferret's life FOREVER, for the better, but you also get a CUSTOM MADE ferret-sized afghan. These WONDERFUL creations are made by either Aunt Kathryn or Kouri. The Extreme Weezils heartily endorse Kouri's Kustom Krocheted Krafts, whether afghan or hammock, they HAVE NO EQUALS among the throngs of ferret bedding! We have a giant, Extreme Weezils-sized hammock made especially for our six ferrets. It is mostly blue yarn with some white, and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE EXTREME WEEZILS LOVES IT! We have seen up to SIX, that is ALL of our ferrets, sleeping in it at one time and looking as happy as can be..... For more information, please CONTACT US, or head over to Kouri's Fan Club, Kouri's SOS Page, Kouri's SOS Special Ferret in Need Page, or write to Kouri himself.... |
Support Our Shelters [SOS]: 
Support Our Shelters * a 501c3 non-profit organization * donations to SOS are tax deductible [ EIN # 23-3062176. ] Check out their NEW shelter list HERE The following is taken DIRECTLY from the Ferret Mailing List, July 16, 2001, written by one of the SOS representatives: |
"... Basically, we distribute funds on a periodic basis as we have them, and we
also do occasional fundraisers for special "emergencies". One of the most
recent emergencies that we raised funds for was the NJ Xmas Rescue, when we
asked for donations *specifically for that cause*. The funds that came in
earmarked directly for that cause were spent on *just* the NJ Xmas Rescue,
with any extra to go to other needy shelters.
Most of the time, though, the funds we raise go into a general "pool", from which we can draw for periodic distributions. When that occurs, we go over the data we have received from the shelters (for the Shelter Update), and try to determine who has the greatest needs. (We've also occassionally received requests from suppliers seeking to donate product, who wanted help in identifying the neediest shelters. We passed on the information we had to them). Also, sometimes, a shelter specifically requests help, or someone requests help on behalf of a shelter that needs it. In those cases, we usually review the situation, make some inquiries (including asking the shelter owner how best we can help), and we review our finances to see what we can do. Regardless of whether it is due to special request or a periodic distribution, there are only two ways we are "allowed" to give monetary help: through a direct donation to a vet (towards the shelter's vet bill), and through a donation of product. (This could involve our ordering product to be shipped to the shelter, or giving the shelter a gift certificate to a particular supplier/retailer, etc.)..." |
Support Our Shelters c/o Judith White |
Support Our Shelters is having another raffle in response to the overwhelming success of the last one. The following is exerpted from an email directly from SOS for informational use only:
"... Since our recent raffle basket effort was so successful, SOS is looking to
do another raffle in the fall, this time of items donated by FML members
(preferably ferret-related items .. but hey, we're flexible! :->) Lenna
(crimsongold39@aol.com) has been VERY helpful in making some inquiries about
this, and I just wanted to post a few more details for anyone interested in
donating.
This is the chance to show off your skills and artistry for all of the FML to see! :-> Whether you are a photographer, a quiltmaker, a painter, a woodworker, a soapmaker ... your homemade (or store bought) item can earn you a tax deduction (receipts will be issued for any donor who requests one), and help homeless ferrets in shelters. Items of a size easy enough to ship (like under the size of a microwave .. but hey, we're flexible on this point, too!) would probably be best. We'll either raffle them off individually, or make baskets out of smaller items and raffle those together .. or maybe I can find a way to scan pictures of items and do an Ebay "charitable auction". (I know Ebay does those .. I just haven't figure out how they work yet, and I don't have a scanner!) You have a while to work on your projects and send them, too .. this raffle won't be until the fall ... maybe October-ish? (SOS usually likes to give donations to the shelters right around the holidays, so this will help us to raise money for that. :-> You'll be helping homeless ferrets to have a happy holiday ... ) For more information, you can email me at this address or ferret@panix.com. If you want to send in items for the raffle, please send them to: S.O.S. c/o Ela Heyn
304 Hillside Ave, B11 Nutley, NJ 07110 Please include your email address so I can let you know it arrived and thank you, and let me know if you need a tax receipt, please, too ..." [ see the Editorials Page for more details about SOS and Kouri's Fan Club ] |
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Sarvey Wildlife Center
P.O. Box 2083, Everett, WA 98203-0083 phone (360) 435-4817 This is the organization that took in the tortoise we rescued, and as luck would have it, a tortoise specialist vet was in as well as one of the main volunteers was looking for another tortoise to add to her three! We are thrilled beyond measure and dedicate this part of the Extreme Weezils web site to Mr. Tortoise, our buddy.... Also, my husband, myself, and my mother - in - law all volunteered at this rehabilitation center for a few hot nights during "baby season." I suppose I had my first real taste of what being owned by six ferrets would be like when it became MY job to bathe five baby racoons in a bathtub! Everyone at Sarvey Wildlife Center does a phenomenal job and never cease to amaze me with their strong will, optimism, and never ending ability to care. If you live in the Western Washington area and are interested in being a volunteer or just want to know what is involved, visit their Volunteer Information Page. Unable to donate your time? Donate some money! I have been there, several times, and have seen the tireless work these people eagerly do - visit the same information page to find out how to be a financial volunteer! |
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| Best Little Rabbit, Rodent, and Ferret House- Visit their Online Store! Their "About Us" page says a lot about the kind of shelter and the kind of people there, as seen in this excerpt:
(206) 365 - 9105; Mon: 10-6 Tue-Fri: 10-7 Sat:10-6 Sun: 11-5; "The Best Little Rabbit, Rodent and Ferret House is a non-profit no-kill animal shelter. We are supported by money acquired from sales and services that are offered at our shelter, and by public donations. All of our animals are rescued, primarily from city and county shelters and humane societies.
Before being placed into a home with caring people, our rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets are spayed or neutered to prevent hormonal cancers and overpopulation. We want every animal to receive human interaction, appropriate indoor housing, ample time to exercise and quality nutrition and veterinary care as required. This is where we adopted Basil, Sasha, and Raven! Perrfect Pals : "Puget Sound's Favorite No-Kill Cat Shelter"
230 McRae Rd NE, Arlington WA, 98223 ; Shelter Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM 7 days a week; Message phone: (360) 652-9611; A 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation registered with the State of Washington Here is what the Perrfect Pals want you to know about their site and their operation:
 our being a no-kill shelter the fact that we spay/neuter all cats before adopting outour waiver of adoption fee for adopting FIV+ catsour sponsorship program for unadoptable catsour calendars for sale!our extensive on line directory of no-kill sheltersour Amazon.com affiliate program is somewhat of a reincarnation of the Washington Ferret Association, which I believe is no longer .... Here is some VITAL information that I have clipped DIRECTLY from their website:
Monetary donations are always welcome -- since we are a no-kill shelter we'll have many of our ferrets for their entire lives, and their expenses add up quickly. Donations used exclusively for the benefit of our ferrets, many of whom will never find homes due to illness, age or behavior problems caused by abuse and neglect.
A tax-deductible donation of $20 or more enrolls you in the Friends of the Shelter program. As a member, you'll receive our newsletter, articles on ferrets and their behaviors, unlimited adviuce from the shelter's experts and 20% off purchases at participating Petco stores. To get your one-year membership, send a donation of $20 or more to: Friends of the Shelter Washington Ferret Rescue 677 120th Ave NE #181 Bellevue, WA 98007 |
What are YOU going to do today for the ferret and/or general fuzzy community? Here are some ideas :
 DONATE money or wishlist items to a shelter in need or your local area shelterVOLUNTEER your time at an animal shelter, ferret shelter, or wildlife shelter for a few hours a weekASK YOUR EMPLOYER HOW THEY CAN GET INVOLVED in the fuzzy cause : Regular corporate donations to 501(c) charities not only present excellent PR opportunites for corporations, but they are also able to be written off company taxes. Sell THAT combination to your boss!As ferret owners and enthusiasts, we all MUST help in some way, every day, to make this planet a better place for both humans and animal kind [and plants, rocks, etc... of course. I wouldn't want to be called speciest or the like....]
The Greater Chicago Ferret Association needs YOUR HELP!
The following was posted by a member of the G.C.F.A. and was, with permission, copy and pasted directly from the Ferret Mailing List:Thanks to those of you concerned in how they can help keep the G.C.F.A.
shelter from becoming a kill shelter. As we are 3,000 concerned ferret
owners, we all understand the importance of supporting ferret shelters.
And thanks to those who wish to purchase something Very, Very special to
remember their loved one by.
First of all, The e-mail to reach G.C.F.A. is now Jackie@campjax.com
Let her know how you would like to donate, or if you have a raffle gift you
can bring with you to the show in Oct. The person who responds to the e-mail
address I gave you initially will not be answering for a few months, I
understand.
Secondly, Norm says that there can be two plaques on each large roomy cage.
So if you would like to donate, but can only donate $30 instead of $60, he
can put two brass plaques on the cages from 2 different people. OR, you can
give $30 for each ferret, and have two plaques on one cage of Your babies.
Thirdly, your beloved need not have passed! You can emblazon the name of
your beloved living ferret in the memories of all who will volunteer over the
next 30 years, all who drop off ferrets, and all who come to bring a little
one home, and search for the one who will melt their heart.
Or, you can give one check for $60., and half will go for the huge past due
hospital bills, and half will go for a brass plaque on one of these spacious
cages.
 PLEASE get involved with animal rights by educating yourself, the FIRST step .... Read more about Support Our Shelters on Kouri's Fan Club site : http://www.geocities.com/kourifanclub/SOSnews.html
Kouri's Fan Club works in tandem with SOS to raise money for both individual ferrets and general ferret welfare. All six Extreme Weezils are card-carrying members of the Kouri Fan Club. I started my regular donator relationship with Sharon B. about a year ago, when she posted on the FML about a little girl ferret named Jumper who needed adrenal surgery. Anyone donating $15 or more would receive either a hammock or afghan for their ferrets, hand knitted by 'Aunt Kathryn.' Well, let me just say with conviction that The Extreme Weezils' FAVORITE hammock, their most-used napping place, is that very same hammock, which was special made EXCLUSIVELY for the Extreme Weezils to fit as many of them as possible! Being an avid reader of all things ferrety on and off the internet creates many opportunities for me to hear about animal abuse and neglect of all degrees. I donate a substantial amount of money to ferrets that need the help as well as regularly donating to a couple of select animal charities. Caring about the health and happiness of all fuzzies can be an overwhelming burden if not kept in perspective. I cannot count how many times I wanted to rush out and save dozens of fuzzies personally, making sure each and every one has the proper amount of financial and emotional support. Alas, I am not superhuman nor am I wealthy, so I cannot do either .... Faced with the reality of my situation, that I cannot save the world, forces me to pick and choose who receives my help: be it monetary or otherwise. Fortunately, my husband and I are in decent enough financial shape to afford to give substantial donations to needy parties, and do so on a regular basis. However, there are other issues that I could be addressing that could help without involving money, such as volunteer work, etc. If everyone did SOMETHING to help out our animal friends, the world would be a better and much fuzzier place! |
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all
animals deserve a chance for a loving home, especially those who have
been abandoned, abused, or otherwise neglected