I want to tell you about my new friends: “Badger”and “Bambi”. Yes, they are ferrets and they are searching for a forever home.
What is a ferret? Well, they aren’t a rat and they aren’t a squirrel. They are in the same family as weasels and are an adorable cousin to minks and polecats. They are social and playful and very smart – and most can be litter trained (just like Badger and Bambi)!
Badger and Bambi ended up at the MSPCA shelter in Centerville through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, their previous owner surrendered them after some changes at home made it difficult to give this adorable (and fuzzy) pair the care they deserve. According to my friend Mary-Sarah at the shelter, these are two of the friendliest, most affectionate and “non-smelliest” ferrets she has ever known!
I stopped by yesterday to see just how friendly these little guys really are. When I got there, they were both sound asleep in their little hammocks in the multi-level cage. They didn’t stay asleep for long, though. As soon as they realized someone was paying attention, the larger of the two started looking around and let me know he was ready to play! As Mary-Sarah opened up the cage, she told me how the pair had been very well cared for, but sadly, situations change and sometimes people have to make difficult decisions.
Badger the ferret gives “That Girl” a kiss on the nose
She scooped up Badger and handed him to me. Badger immediately introduced himself with a series of licks and “kisses” including several on my nose! He crawled around a little bit and stretched out along my arm and made himself at home. What a little character! As soon as I began to fumble with my phone to take a picture, he stuck his neck and nose right out into the lens of the camera!
Ferret Photobomb!
A little girl named Lulu from Yarmouth was at the shelter with her father and shyly asked if it was OK to hold Bambi. Bambi is much smaller than Badger – as most females are smaller than males. Bambi immediately stretched up and gave Lulu a kiss on the chin.
Bambi snuggling with Lulu from Yarmouth
What do you think? Aren’t they cute?
If you’ve never owned a ferret, you should keep in mind, the word “ferret” comes from the Latin word furittus, meaning “little thief”. And they are! I am giggling as I tell you this: ferrets have been known to collect small items from around your home and stock pile them for playtime. Because they are so smart, they need a little more supervision than, say, a bunny or cat. If you aren’t playing with them, they will find ways to entertain themselves –if you know what I mean. They do need room to play and leaving them locked in a cage at all times should not be an option.
If you have room in your heart and your home for these two amazing little creatures, please visit the MSPCA Shelter on Rte 28 in Centerville.
And if you would like a little more information on what it’s like to own a ferret (or two), please visit this website on Pet Ferret Care
About Cat Wilson
