New Adventures Await

For those that follow us on Facebook you already know what adventure I am talking about but for those that don’t know. As of June 30th the kids and I will be Home Free.

We will be living a non traditional life as nomads in a van until I am able to get us back into a non moving home if that should be the case. I should say that I am not one to do much of anything traditionally but this is even new for me.

The van or Ferret Chariot 2 is pretty much outfitted for travel and pets it seems as all of the normal places a pet might try to hide has been closed off. 

So I will be putting into long term use the knowledge I have gained over the years of traveling to Blog Paws and who knows maybe this will add a different dimension to the blog.

I do know that Marcuz and Marylin will be updating their travel blog on Facebook more often now.

If you would like to donate towards us either getting a solid home or just some gas money you can do it one of two ways. You can donate using the donation button here on the blog or you can donate through the Go Fund Campaign.

I have a week of work coming up and then we will be headed to Kentucky to see a friend or two before heading towards D.C. Want us to stop and see you leave a comment below. Sorry we can’t come to California.

Jo

Ferret Giving Tree

 

Us three ferrets are lucky we have our loving forever home with our pet hooman, AmyJo, unfortunately there are many other ferrets that are living in shelters and rescues until they either find that perfect hooman or they cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

While they are safe and well taken care of in these places they aren’t always able to have some of the same things as us. Thankfully a bunch of pet hoomans got together and created the Ferret Giving Tree where shelters and rescues can list ferrets and their wish list for Santa Claws to see and maybe some of his elf helpers would jump in to supply some of the wishes.

This year the tree had 225 ferrets but there are still 104 ferrets needing Santas. We will be picking one or two from the tree but for us it isn’t just about the stories it is helping those that should have a loving home no matter what.

So won’t you give the Ferret Giving Tree a look and maybe one of those adorable little faces will tug at your heart strings that you can’t help but his or her Santa.

 

                                             

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Manny, Marcuz, and Marylin

Update: Wez selected Mojo Man to be Santa to. Isn’t he just unique? You can read more about him by clicking on his picture.

Update on Grace

Photo from Washington Metro Area Ferret Outreach.

Grace is off the I.V. support and is eating on her own. Her blood work is slowly improving every day but she still has a long ways to go.

She is starting to act like a ferret by exploring her surroundings and finding comfortable spots to take naps. Her favorite place seems to be on Claudia.

Don’t know the story of Grace? Check it out here

Ferrets normally sleep between 14 to 18 hours a day but I am sure that Grace is sleeping a lot longer than that as she regains her stamina and strength.

If you look you can see where she is starting to get new hair and her ribs aren’t sticking out so far any more.

Enlightened Ferret is proud to help Grace by donating a portion of our sales from Ferret Fabulous Finds Auction House 

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

I Have a Dream

 

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day in the United States he is famous for his 1963 Washington D.C. speech “I have a Dream” given in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Like Martin Luther King Jr. I also have a dream.

Mine is that California removes its unrealistic ban on ferrets and legalizes their residency.

My dream is that others come to understand ferrets and that all the myths and misconceptions are wiped out.

It is also my dream that all the homeless ferrets find their special forever home and never have to want again

Until then my dream is that all the caring people who foster, shelter, and rescue these wonderful little guys are well funded by those that can help make a difference in the day-to-day operations.

Just one bag of food can help reduce the amount needed.

Just one $10 donation to a vet care fund can pay for a month of medication for those in need of adrenal and insulinoma meds.

Just one case of paper towels, Simple Green, or other cleaning supplies help reduce the outgoing costs that can be spent on the ferrets.

What is your dream?

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Ferret Giving Tree 2012

This year Enlightened Ferret is going to play Santa to Baby Snooks

 

from Woogie Wescue.

This little girl has had it rough and is very lucky to be alive after being found in a meth house and had been living on meth instead of ferret food.

Our hearts go out to her and hope that she can have a decent life now as she keeps detoxing from those horrid chemicals.

The Ferret Giving Tree has over 200 ferrets in need of a Santa and the shelters that are featured care for over 2000 ferrets.

Won’t you think about helping Enlightened Ferret play Santa to Baby Snooks and the other ferrets at Woogie Wescue or by becoming a Santa to one of the other ferrets on the Ferret Giving Tree.

If you wish to send a gift to Baby Snooks or the other ferrets at Woogie Wescue send it to

Woogie Wescue

7271 Airline Hwy #117

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

70805 USA

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Ferret Fashion Show

I don’t know how many of you know that I design ferret clothing for my boys and for other ferrets. To date I have made everyday shirts, tuxedos, dresses, and even designed military BDU’s better known as fatigues.

View Full Album

I’ve been marketing these on Etsy and been auctioning several different outfits off on Fabulous Ferret Finds Auction page on Facebook. Which has begun to earn me a little money but thanks to this endeavor, I have come to the attention of several different outlets.

One of these outlets is hooked on the idea of a Ferret Fashion Show. I would love to help a shelter or rescue by creating several fashions that would be shown off by the shelter ferrets and then could be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the shelter.

I am just not sure where to start other than asking first off what do you think of this idea?

2. Would this be something you would be interested in doing?

3. While I am thinking Western PA because it is close to where I live, other places would be fine too.

I would have Manny and Marcuz as part of the show and they would show up in the Ferret Chariot   along with some other surprises.

If this is something you would like to be a part of. Please contact me either by the comment box or slide me an email at enlightenedferret@hotmail.com

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

It Is Still Sinking In.

 

I can’t believe that the Ferret Chariot is a reality. It is all in part to some wonderful people who thought the need was great enough to give a helping hand by donating, spreading the word, and being encouraging. Now when I am asked “How can social media help me?” I can show them.

If it wasn’t for social media mainly twitter the Ferret Chariot would still be a dream. I am still pinching myself to make sure that it isn’t a dream. Enlightened Ferret would like to thank the following people for their support.

@PumpkinPuddy, @Danapixie ,@PepiSmartDog ,@HartzPetz @PetBlogsUnited, @Flicka47, @anipalacademyawards, @Pasikas, @Jazzydacat ,@DaneRay, @DFSmith @PuppyaGuineaPig ,Xena and Wiggly Schnauzer, and Birdcage.net @BigBoyBosco

I am still working on adding everyone’s name to the van and the main graphic so until that is complete there won’t be any pictures of the Ferret Chariot and maybe not until Blog Paws when certain individuals get to see it.

We realize that many wanted to help out but couldn’t do so until later so we have decided that we will have a chip in for the maintenance of the Ferret Chariot. Those that donate to this chip in will be placed on a section of the van labeled FC Mechanics. There will be levels denoting Head Mechanic, Mechanic, Part supplier, Grease Monkey. These are still in the works and when finalized will be posted here, twitter, and on the boys facebook page.

Dreams are the foundation on our world but it takes the courage, strength, and support to make said dreams a reality.

Thank you all for helping us make our dream a reality.

Have a Chittering Good Day

Jo

Ferret Chariot

 

What a day I had yesterday. As most of you know we had a campaign to get a vehicle and thanks to some awesome donors, will be naming them soon, I went and picked it up.

There was some miscommunications so I had a long wait before I could get the last of the paper work done. Roomie and I went to the Erie Zoo to kill some time this statue grabbed my attention

 

Finally the last of the paper work was done, notarized, and paid for making the Ferret Chariot a reality.

The Ferret Chariot is a 98 Dodge Caravan.

 

And here is the blank canvas that will be sporting all the sponsors names and logos. Mind you these were taken at a rest stop on the way home.

 

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Top 10 Ferret Shelter Needs

 

In featuring Lucky yesterday I realized that most don’t know what a ferret shelter/rescue needs are so here are the top 10.

10. Cleaning Supplies this includes but not limited to:

• Paper towels
• Cloth towels
• baby wipes
• laundry detergent
• Simple Green

9. Medical Supplies

• Alcohol pads
• Ferretone
• lancets
• glucometer
• gauze wrap/pads
• Q-tips®
• tweezers
• Benadryl®
• Distress Remedy

8. Treats

• Bandit® from Marshall
• Greenies®
• Ferretone
• Fer-vite
• Chew weasel
• Foamy fries

7. Grooming

• brush
• ferret shampoo
• small animal nail clippers
• Q-tips®
• Fer-lax
• Ferretone
• pet toothpaste/brush
• towels/drying sack

6. Bedding/ Litter

• Hammock
• sleeping sack
• blankets
• Any non-clumping, no fragrance, no clay litter.

5. Toys

• Jingle balls
• stuffed mice
• socks
• squeaky toys
• infant toys that aren’t rubber/latex

4. Ferret Food

• Marshall’s Ferret Food
• Evo
• 8 in 1
• Zupreem
• Young Again
• Path Valley

3. Cages/ Carriers

Made for rabbit/guinea pig/ferret

Carriers for easier transport to vet or foster homes

2. Volunteers/foster homes

 

1. Donations

Can be gift cards to the local pet store, Wal-Mart™, grocery store, gas card.

Find out where the shelter/rescue takes their fur babies and donate to their vet account.

Monetary to the rescue/shelter itself.

 

Have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Update on ChipIn Request

As many of you know Marcuz has a narrowing between 2 disks just under his shoulderblades and is expected to recover from the injury.

But like all back injuries it could reoccur and I would really like to be able to take him to the vet immeditatly if it should reoccur.

I live in a rural area and there is no public transportation here. That means no Taxi cabs, buses, or other mass transits that are available in a more populated area.

The nearest store is a ten mile walk from my house and to walk to the vet would take 1/2 a day to get there.

And a specialist is beyond walking distance from here.

These are the other reasons I have decided to ask for help in getting a vehicle.

If the chipIn does not work or asks you for a shipping fee like it did one donor you can use paypal and mark the donation as a gift. If that is the option you wish to use please email me at enlightenedferret@hotmail.com and I will send you the addy to use for paypal.

Seems our ChipIn keeps asking for a shipping fee of $4.50 so please take this into account when making your donation. You can either add the fee to the amount you want to donate as we the entire amount or start with the shipping fee and add to it until it is the amount you wish to donate.

Remember this is a way to get your twitter name, blog, or business free advertising as everyone that donates will be placed on the vehicle. I am also going to give two lucky donors a ride to and from Blog Paws 2012 that are on my route of Interstate 80.


Thank you in advance and I hope you have a Chittering Good Day,

Jo

Not So Wordless Wednesday

 

The weekend before Valentine’s Day Marcuz got hurt. Which would not have been a problem except I didn’t have transportation to the vet’s and relying on friends doesn’t always mean you will get the result you want.

So I am reaching out to those in the Anipal community to help Enlightened Ferret get a vehicle. The ideal one would be a Dodge® Caravan.

Every donor will have the choice of having their name or twitter name placed on the vehicle. The finished painted vehicle will be featured in a thank you blog post with links to everyone’s blog or business page.

Finally we would give a ride to two lucky donors and their pets to Blog Paws 2012. Who are along our route which will be Interstate 80 from Western Pennsylvania to the hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah and back.

Once at Blog Paws another photo will be taken with those attending and the supported vehicle.

Thank you for your support.

 

and as always have a Chittering Good Day,

 

Jo

Jake and Jasper: A Ferret Tale

I am always on the lookout for anything that showcases ferrets in a good light. There are too many negative examples out there. So when I started seeing tweets from @Jake_and_Jasper asking if they should do a podcast about the film I had to know more.

 

I emailed Alison the film’s director and asked for an email interview which she graciously gave. Her excitement was easy to see in her words and I can’t wait until the film is completed and offered for sale.

With that said here is the interview.

EF: I've read the blurb about the movie and wonder how you came on the idea?

I'm a filmmaker, but I'm also a ferret owner, so I've always tried to include them in my film projects.  My ferrets have been in several commercials for Marshall Pet Products and I also volunteered my services for a commercial for legalizeferrets.org which aired on TV in Los Angeles. 

I had always wanted to do a film about ferrets, but didn't have an idea for a story.  Then a few months ago I saw a short film made in Ireland that has the word ferret in the title (I don't want to promote it).  I was SO excited - but severely disappointed. 

In the film, the boy gets a ferret, but it's a working ferret that hunts rabbits, and the ferret ends up biting him on the nose.  The father returns the ferret to where they got it.  As soon as I saw that I KNEW I had to make a film about a boy and a ferret that showed ferrets in a positive light. 

The boy in this film, Jake (Played by Connor Stanhope, "Smallville"), is struggling to cope with the death of his mother and retreats from his family and the world at large.  He doesn't talk, doesn't smile, and gets into fights at school.  His sister Jesse (Played by Laci Mailey) gives him a pet ferret named Jasper, and they develop a very strong bond.  We'll see the ferret actually pry Jake from his shell and help him to smile, laugh and feel love again.

I love animal movies.  They always make me cry.  You're going to cry. 

EF: From whose point of view is the movie? Jake's or Jasper's?

 It's from Jake's point of view, but I think it would be great to make another film that is from the ferret's point of view.  In fact, someone has already contacted me with a script idea for this. :)

EF: How old is Jasper the ferret?

Jasper, which is played by my ferret Falcor, is just over 1 year old.  He's my little monkey man.

EF: Is Jasper the only ferret being used in the movie?

No.  There will be body doubles!  As any ferret owner knows, ferrets have one speed, one gear: GO!  They go hard for a couple hours and then sleep.  This is a problem when filming.  I will be bringing my other ferret Frisco who looks identical to Falcor, to be used in any wide shots where we can't see the face close up.  I'll also be putting the word out in Vancouver for dark sable ferrets to be used as backups.  Ideally I'd like to have 10 or more ferrets as backups but we'll see what happens.

EF: What else can you tell us about Jasper and Jake?

 I could go on and on!  I'm so excited about this film!  And it's been getting a tremendous response from the public, mainly ferret owners.  If you watch the promo video , you may notice in the end credits that I dedicate this film to animal lovers and ferret parents (farents) around the world.  I'm so tired of how ferrets are portrayed in the media.  It's always negative.  Either they're being shown as aggressive, being called rodents, stinky, etc, or the film only shows them for a few seconds.  So here's a film now where the ferret is one of the main characters, and it shows the joy and love a ferret can bring to your life.  There's going to be a montage in the film (because every film needs a montage!) that shows the bonding experience with Jake & Jasper; it will show Jake putting food and water in Jasper's cage, teaching him tricks, Jasper dragging his shoes around the room, etc.  I'm really excited about that part.  I also wanted to be sure to show a bit of the responsibility it takes to care for a ferret. 

After a fight with his father, Jake runs away to a forest with Jasper where he will encounter many animals such as a skunk, a fawn, a black wolf, and more.  Being an animal lover, this is a dream come true for me.  It's also a dream role for Connor Stanhope, who just happens to be an animal lover as well.  He's already developed a bond with Falcor in real life!  But we need to raise $10,000 to fill the forest with these animals as they are very expensive, so hopefully we are successful with that.  Anyone who donates will get a picture of their ferret in a special feature on the DVD, plus there are many more perks, like getting your name in the end credits, pre-ordered autographed DVD's, posters, and lots more.  We have until August 12 2011 to raise the money.  Here's the link for anyone who'd like to be a part of this special film: http://www.indiegogo.com/Jake-Jasper-A-Ferret-Tale

EF: Who is producing the film? Or is producer and director one in the same?

Director and Producer are not the same thing, but in this case it kinda is.  Because this is a low budget film, I can't afford to hire people to do all the producing for me.  So I do the bulk of it myself.  However I've just brought on 2 other producers to help lighten the workload for me a bit!

EF: Where is the film going to/being made?

Our forest scenes will be filmed in Langley, BC, Canada.  I haven't locked down the locations for the rest of the film but they will be in or around Vancouver, BC.  The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place.  Mountains, forests, ocean.  It's perfect.

EF: What is your projected cost of making this movie?

Ask me tomorrow.  Ha ha.  It keeps going up as things move along and I come up with new ideas.  I know it will be the $10,000 on the animals and animal wrangler alone.  In addition to that, I have to rent equipment, pay for locations, permits, food for the crew, transportation, etc.  This could easily be another $10,000.  I'm currently trying to secure sponsorship for the film to help cover these costs.  And that's only the production part of things.  More money will be spent on post-production, but I'll be editing it myself to save money.   I'm blessed to have an awesome cast and crew who are all volunteering.  If it wasn't for them, there's no way this could happen.  Special thanks to my camera department team Shawn Seifert (also the Director of Photography), Jesse Vance and Salo Saade.  They work with me a lot and do a stellar job.  They also don't complain about working with animals.  They're used to it now.  I reward them with chocolate and ice cream when I can.  :)

EF: How long will it take to make the movie?

 It will probably be about 4 days of filming.  I haven't set the shooting dates yet but it will be shot at the end of August.

EF: Where will the first DVDs be released?

That is a loaded question, actually.  We have to make the festival circuit first.  I'll be submitting the film to film festivals around the world.  After that, the DVD's will be released.  Hopefully in stores, if we can get distribution.  If not, I will be selling them independently online.  Anyone who donates $25 or more to the film gets a pre-ordered DVD autographed by at least 1 cast member and myself.  Please be patient though, as sometimes you can't submit to a film festival if the movie is already on DVD.

EF: I don't know much about film festivals other than Cannes what other ones are there?

There are thousands of film festivals all around the world.  Cannes is definitely the biggest, but almost every city has its own festivals as well.  Big ones that I may be submitting this film to include Slamdance, Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Whistler, Victoria, etc.  Getting selected at some of the festivals I just mentioned can even qualify a film to be considered for an Oscar nomination.

EF: Will those that donate get a % off of the price or just get to have pictures of their ferret(s) in the DVD?

$25 or more and they get a DVD for (free).  I have to laugh about your question though.  I think ferret owners would buy this DVD just to see their ferrets in the special feature ha-ha.

EF: Other than Twitter where else might we find information about Jake and Jasper: A ferret Tale?

Our official website is http://www.jake-and-jasper.com, our Facebook fan page is at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jake-Jasper-A-Ferret-Tale/178763242181186 and the IndieGoGo site where you can donate to the film is at http://www.indiegogo.com/Jake-Jasper-A-Ferret-Tale

EF: Can you break down how much it will cost for each animal you need for the forest scene? I saw on twitter that an owl is $135. Is that for the animal and handler?

Sure!

Skunk = $1000,

Raccoon = $1000,

Black Wolf = $1000,

Bats = $1000,

Rabbit = $400,

Frogs = $100,

Fawn = $4500. 

These prices all include the cost of an animal wrangler as well.  The owl is actually $1000.  What you saw on twitter is that we are $135 away from having raised enough for the Owl.  As I write this, we've raised enough for the skunk, wolf, and rabbit.

I learned a lot from Alison about this film and I hope you will give the sites a visit and maybe help this film get made.

Have a Chittering good day,

Jo

Update: Just before posting Alison let me know that they raised the money for the owl and frogs and are now on their way to getting the raccoon.

Be the Change: Helping Those Less Fortunate

     If you have not figured it out yet I am not only a ferret owner but a ferret lover as well. I believe that we are put here for a reason. Sometimes it takes awhile for us to realize just what that reason might be.

     I now know that my reason is to help these little fuzzy clowns but correcting misconceptions and raising awareness of the many in need. Thanks to my followers both here on Enlightened Ferret and on Twitter I helped the senior ferrets at Heart of Ohio Ferret Association and last year I wrote about the Ferret Giving Tree.

     This site allows ferret shelters to post ten pictures of ten ferrets in need while giving the shelter a chance to ask for help in supporting his/her shelter. Mostly they ask for toys, cleaning supplies, and other small items.

     The pictures range from healthy ferrets to those who are sickly or have been abused. Adrenal disease is horrible to watch as it slowly robs a ferret of his/her health. The ones who have Adrenal looks like they have been abused because they are bald and have lost a lot of weight leaving their bones showing through their skin.

     Selection to be a Santa for one or more of these fuzz butts does not begin until November 1^st but I am posting a picture of Gibbs a three year old deaf boy who I am going to be Santa for and hope that the readers of Enlightened Ferret will help both Gibbs and his shelter out and any packages you send please add in care of Enlightened Ferret.com.

     I would love to help everyone of these little guys on the Ferret Giving Tree but by helping one I know I am giving back to them the love and inspiration my own have given me through the years.

                                              

Jo

James and Insulinoma

     First I want to thank all of the anipals that donated to our listed charity Heart of Ohio Ferret Rescue and Association. Not only did we meet the goal we surpassed it.

     James had his first visit to the vets on Tuesday July 27 2010 it was an emergency visit. He didn’t want to wake up for his morning meal or move around too much. All I could think was it was going to be a repeat of Lance. James was having a few of the same issues that Lance had but to a very lesser degree.

     Waiting for the vet to call back with a time I could take James in to be seen I managed to get him to eat a few bites of Gerber® chicken baby food that I keep on hand for such emergencies. He seemed to perk up a little bit but not much and all he wanted to do was sleep. When I added a drop of ferret lax to the chicken James really went to town licking it all up and wanting some more. He also perked up a little bit.

     Finally the vet called back and off we went to Franklin Animal Clinic where we were put in a room and waited for the doc to come see us.

     James at this point had more spunk and wanted to run around I let him scamper the length of the bench in the room. Dr. Doverspike came in and did a quick examination where he noted that James also has an enlarged spleen something that is common in older ferrets.

     While Dr. Doverspike was talking to me about what the problem might be James energy level dropped and James became the way I had found him in the morning. Dr. Doverspike had James’ glucose  level checked. This is done by drawing some blood and putting some into a glucose meter to measure the level of the blood sugar.

     In ferrets it should read between 80-120 mg/dl. James’ result was 27. This means he was in crisis and I was very glad he was at the vet so they could help  him. It also meant that he had a cancer called Insulinoma.

     Many people confuse Insulinoma with diabetes. Diabetes is also a blood sugar problem but Insulinoma is caused by a tumor on the pancreases causing it to produce too much insulin. Insulin’s job is to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood normally but too much decreases it to fatal levels.

     If James had been younger there would have been the option of surgery to remove the tumor but Dr. Doverspike and I agreed that it wasn’t worth the risk to James’ life that left us with only one other option. Maintenance of the insulinoma with prescription drugs, for the moment James is now on 1ml of Prednisone  to interfere with the tumor and thanks to Greenies(r) I haven’t worn the medicine.

     In only a couple of days I noticed a remarked improvement in James activity level. He is back to eating more that a few bites. This disease is common in ferrets and it does add more work to caring for them but I don’t care it’s worth it to me.

     What it does mean though is that James maybe only able to travel by vehicle and not by air. We have to see how well he tolerates the meds and how much it stresses his little body. It also means I have to update their travel case so that it has some emergency supplies for James. Like a couple packs of honey or some other high sugar liquid I also have to update his travel paper so that it notes in large red letters that he does have insulinoma.

     I must mention that James more than likely had insulinoma before he started eating Young Again Ferret food and Dr. Doverspike said the food may have keep him out of crisis for a bit longer.

     The three of us, James, Manny, and myself, are gong to be at Bark World Expo in Atlanta, Ga. August 19-22 but it maybe only Manny and myself at Blog Paws West, paws crossed, in September.

Keep on Chittering,

Jo

A Year old and still Learning

     Wow it’s hard to believe that Enlightened Ferret is almost a year old already. So much has happened since I first started this blog. I didn’t know that it would help people understand these small little creatures and their crazy owners.

     I also never thought it would bring me into a community of other like-minded people on twitter let alone to a pet conference where I got to interact with so many other people.

     In celebration of the blog turning a year old and the walk James and Manny will be doing soon we are going to have a twitter pawty on June 26^th from 6-11 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time).

      The theme is outlaws and gangsters. The pawty is to help raise money for Heart of Ohio Ferret Rescue and Association to help the senior ferrets that reside with them. The hash tag will be #hideyhole please RSVPS here  Come as your favorite outlaw/gangster as we eat, dance, and trivia towards a goal of $500. There will also be prizes.

     This is pawty with a goal but no one is obligated to donate. This is meant to be a fun time. Please realize that twitter sometimes doesn’t post in a timely manner or does it so quick that it is lost among other posts it also depends on if the fail whale eats your post. If you feel that you have been overlooked please retweet the post again. We anipals are not snobby but posts do get missed sometimes.

     The walk James, Manny, and I were going to do was suppose to be 21 miles long but with the way PA weather has been it will be reduced to 12 miles.

     This allows for ferret adventures that means allowing James and Manny time to sniff the area, potty breaks, and playtime in a new place.

     It also means I won’t be carrying more weight than I can handle for too long. I will be doing a video(s) of the walk and posting it to YouTube when we are finished. At this time the walk is planned for June 26 but depends on the weather for the day.

 

     Who knows where another year will take us but hopefully you will be long for the ride.

 

Chitters,

Jo

Pet Blog Hop

 

     This is week 3 of the Pet Blog Hop. What a neat way to connect to other pet bloggers and be able to read what is on their minds. Some blogs are written from the pet’s point of view and others from their hooman’s.

     Enlightened Ferret started out as a place to put important information regarding the care and ownership of ferrets. Along the way friends were made and places found that have made an impact on our mission.

     Enlightened Ferret believes that all animals, wild and domesticated, should be treated with the utmost respect. Most were here before us humans ever came to be. It sickens us that we as a species can be so cruel to such wonderful animals be they canine, feline, rodent, reptile, mustela, amphibian, or insectiod.

     Monday will see James   turn officially 10 years old and kicks off cents for seniors. We are asking that you take a moment and donate ten cents to Heart of Ohio Ferret Rescue and Association to help decrease their burden of caring for senior ferrets that won’t find another forever home because of their age and/or illness.

     Ten dollars a month helps to defray the medical cost for one hospice/senior ferret. It is hard to image anyone giving up their pet after many years together but sometimes the medical bills for a sick ferret is too much for some and for others it is the thought of losing their best friend to death.

     When we reach our first $20 of donations Enlightened Ferret will give away a small gift pack that includes a $5 petsmart card and some other goodies. To be included in the give away leave a comment below.

     And take a hop from here to another blog in the pet blogosphere. Join in the fun by adding your name to Mr.. Linky....post the Pet Hop button on your bloggie and join in the fun!!

 

This is a blog hop

1. You’re next…Click here to add your blog

Jo

P.S.

This weekend is also the twitter #pawparty starting at 2pm and running 24hrs.

Come and have a blast. The theme is cooking and there will be music, nom noms, and prizes.

Be the Change Challenge

     BlogPaws opened up so many new avenues that it was hard to settle down and actually figure out how I wanted to be part of the Be the Change Challenge of helping Pets without Parents of Columbus, OH today. The goal was five hundred dollars but can we show this great shelter how much BlogPaws loved visiting Columbus and the pet bloggers that got to go to BlogPaws though our posts and twitter updates by reaching fifteen hundred?

     I also wanted to stay part of the change. I already promote returning the Black-footed ferret back to its habitat and Skye’s Wildlife Rehabilitation but these two great efforts are for our wild counterparts. It isn’t enough and being the only ferret blogger at BlogPaws I wanted to find a charity that would resonate with me and fit into the framework of my blog.

     This last week reminded me of how much we love our fur babies and sometimes forget that they age faster than we do. Lance gave me a scare and while it seems at the moment he is going to be fine it drove home that he might not be here next year. Nine is old for a ferret. So I started looking for ferret rescues that might be worthy of Lance’s status of an Old Man. Many of the sites I checked out haven’t been updated in years and make it hard for me to put a link to them without knowing if they are still active.

     Then I came across the site for the Heart of Ohio Ferret Association and Rescue (HOFA). They have a page for older ferrets that will spend the rest of their lives in special foster homes where they are loved and cared for until it is their turn to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

     Many have been surrender because their owners either can’t afford the treatments they need to live or can’t face the fact their beloved clown is going to die soon.

     HOFA is non-profit and all donations go to helping the ferrets. My goal is to help these hospice ferrets. A $10 donation will pay for a month worth of medication and food for one of these sweethearts but even a dollar will help.

They are also in need of these items:

Ferretone

Hammocks

Ensure(vanilla)

Food

Food bowls

Water bottles

Litter pans and Litter

Cages

More to come about this shelter.

 

Jo

BlogPaws

Okay I forgot about some pictures I snapped cause  they were so poetic. This is Cleo in the grand ball room. She was tired and slept using her Hooman’s hand as a pillow.

Whoops something woke her up 1 2 3

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Blog Paws was able to give three animal shelters a donation of $2800 each.

 

Animal Friends, Pittsburgh, PA

 

Animal Haven Shelter, NY

Pets Without Parents 

 

Blog Paw Attendees Remember the look and feel of those moments and what you thought about.

So leave me comments on:

1. What was your most memorable moment at BlogPaws?

2. Who was your favorite speaker and why?

3. Best surprise?

4. How many Biz cards did you get or give out.

5. Did you go to the after party?

6. What is the one thing you would add next time?

Jo

Update from BlogPaws: The Evening

     What a pawsome group of people I have met so far tonight. Met @FrugalDougal’s mom, @GeorgetheDuck, Your daily cute, @AmazonCares and many others. I’ve talked ferrets to a lot of people and made a lot of connections.

 

     One of the best moments was being able to play it forward.

     You see I won my BlogPaws registration back in January saving me a nice chunk of change. I was one of many that wanted the Bissell vacuum cleaner but I didn’t win that I won the next prize. A 500 dollar food donation from Del Monte Pet Food to a charity of my choice and 200 dollars for myself.

     My first thought was to donatate it to AmazonCares but then realized that might not be possible. So I asked my new table mates Designcoyote and her co hort if I love Rescue Animals was their charity and found out that while that wasn’t they did work for Central Texas Feline Rescue. I told them I was donating my prize to them. I thought they both were going to cry. The charity has been paying out of their own pockets to feed these animals.

     I don’t know all the people in my pictures so if you see one of you please comment with which picture as I am going to number them and your name. Pic 1 Tom Collins,Yvonne DiVita and Caroline Golon

Pic 2 Sue Resnicoff: Del Monte Foods

Pic 3 Charlotte Reed speaking

Pic 4 @dogfiles with Max and I am not sure who he was with sorry I am bad with names.

Pic 5 TPPCtv

Pic 6 just snapped it.

 

     After talking to a lot of people about blogging and ferrets I have returned to my room and was greeted by another pawsome advertisement. Going to be talking to them about their product and the possibilities it might offer my furkids.

     Ordered a salad and decided to splurge and have something sweet. Doesn’t this espresso raspberry chocolate cake look nommy?

 

     Driver is going out on the town tonight. Depending on how I feel I may wander back down towards the lobby and see what is going on down there.

 

Jo

One Woman’s Effort to Help Wildlife Survive.

     Most of us take for granted the beauty that the Creator set in front of us. We don’t take time to enjoy watching the fawn nibbling at the grass next to his mother. We only give a passing glance to the large bird flying past. Only when something is right on top of us do we even notice it exists.
 
     MaryJane Angelo is different in that she sees the animals for what they are. Beautiful creatures that belong in the wild. For many if it had not been for the intervention and hard work they would have died from the injuries they had received because of human interference.

     In 1998, Skye Spirit’s Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center (SSWREC) opened its doors in Western Pennsylvania. SSWREC has helped many return to the wild with a new release on life. Those that cannot be release find a new home on the acreage of SSWREC and help to educate the public about their species and the laws concerning them.

     One such resident of SSWREC is a young male bobcat that surprised a hunter in the Pocono’s in February of 2006. He is lucky that the hunter didn’t shoot him when he started acting like an overgrown cat. At the time, he weighed around five pounds and his ribs were showing.
 

     He was taken to the local wildlife rehabilitation center and was then taken to their vet. An x-ray revealed that he had an obstruction in his intestinal tract requiring emergency surgery. The obstruction turned out to be a latex dog toy. It is believed that someone without the proper permits had raised him as a pet from infancy. This beautiful cat cannot be released because he believes all humans are his friends.

     MaryJane’s specialty is birds of prey. Many  are returned to the wild and those left behind help to foster orphaned offspring. Those that don’t make it because of their injuries are remembered by a single feather kept in a special place. There are also photos. One picture is of a bald Eagle that didn’t survive flying into power lines and was electrocuted.
 
     Volunteers have built many of the structures on the land with the supplies donated by local businesses. An Eagle Scout's project was building the songbird enclosure. Only this last weekend several of the structures were damaged because of high winds dropping debris, such as a power pole to one. Luckily, none of the rehabilitating wildlife was injured.

     At any given time SSWREC has 40-65 animals recovering from injuries or have been orphaned. The amount of animals normally slows down in the wintertime because of migration and hibernation. Only to increase during baby season, mainly bunnies, March to October.

     SSWREC has had a few set backs due to donating suppliers closing and leaving them without other options for obtaining live food for the birds of prey other than out of pocket expense.

     A ray of hope shines as an anonymous family has decided to double all donations made to SSWREC for the next 16 days. This is only way someone can donate to a good cause. The other is by recycling ink cartridge.

     SSWREC is a non-profit organization that runs solely on donations from the public.


Jo