Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue

A ferret awaiting adoption at Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue

In the early nineties, Melanie Ellis was suffering from depression and found an interesting means of coping with her symptoms.  While therapy cats and dogs are rather common, Melanie found the best companions for her were ferrets.  She quickly became familiar with the rambunctious, playful creatures, connected with other ferret owners and enthusiasts, and became involved with the new Eugene ferret rescue and shelter in 1994.  In 2002, she moved the shelter to her own Santa Clara residence, which today is home to her own three ferrets, numerous homeless ones waiting for permanent homes, and those who stay temporarily in her boarding facility.  The nonprofit shelter is now called the Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue, and it aims to educate the public about ferret ownership and to find permanent homes for adoptable ferrets.

But who has ever heard of a ferret shelter?  Everyone knows about the dog and cat overpopulation problems both locally and nationally.  We are exposed more and more to heartbreaking stories of neglect and abuse in ad campaigns from the ASPCA, stories in the news, and shows like Animal Cops.  More pet owners are aware of the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.  Ferrets, however, rarely make the headlines.

As it turns out, well-intending adopters mistakenly tend to categorize pets into two categories: those that roam in the house and yard, like cats and dogs, and those that remain enclosed, like small rodents, fish, birds and reptiles.  “People go buy ferrets at the pet store and assume they can live like hamsters,” explains Melanie.  This is the common mistake that too often leads to neglected, unhealthy ferrets, which families are forced to give up.*

Melanie Ellis and friend ferret

Because proper education amongst ferret-owners-to-be is generally lacking at the time of purchase, a major part of the Lane Area Ferret Shelter’s goal is to raise awareness about the misconceptions of ferret companions.  The group’s website debunks many ferret myths, such as the assumption that they are nocturnal and sleep all day, are rodents, and that they are best kept in a cage.  The site is also a good starting point for researching ferret medical information, such as recommended vaccines and common diseases.

The majority of Melanie’s time, however, is overwhelmingly spent conducting animal care and facilitating adoptions.  “Adopting out these guys, spending time with them and working with the animals directly can be overwhelming,” she says.  “We definitely lack exposure to the public and I lack the time to post ads and promote events.”  When asked about volunteers, Melanie says she needs help promoting events and increasing exposure for the group.  She aims to set up adoption information tables at PETCO and Petsmart, like the more mainstream shelters do, and could use help promoting the wildly popular Agility Trials. “We need people to recruit more ferrets to compete and spread the word about the trials before they happen,” she explains. 2009 was the first year the event was held Emerald Park, where onlookers watched the registered ferrets compete in weight-pulling, dirt-digging, tube-running, and other hilariously cute and entertaining trials.  She would also like to coordinate an annual spring event and some sort of holiday fundraiser.

Two ferrets playing at the Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue

“These guys are nonstop; they know when you are in the room, and they have so much energy to share.  They don’t and can’t live like mice,” Melanie continues as a pair of ferrets jump and dig through a giant plastic tub filled with biodegradable packing peanuts. Another nips at her ankles and two more squirm in her hands as I try to capture a snapshot.  They run and play at speeds that make it difficult to photograph them.  Melanie laughs: “my husband tries to take pictures at the Agility Trials and usually ends up frustrated, even with 100 or more pictures.”  But their energy has helped her with her depression and is a wonderful part of ferret companionship for those who are prepared. Ferrets are not for everyone, but committed owners are a tight-knit bunch who are avid about their cunning, playful pets.

Ron Titterington of Emerald Valley Veterinary Clinic in Santa Clara is the shelter’s go-to veterinarian, and Melanie speaks very highly of him.  She recommends that any new ferret owner consult his office for vaccinations, medical care or general ferret care.  Most of the ferrets for adoption through Lane Area Ferret Rescue are posted through Petfinder.  The shelter is on Facebook as “Lane Area Ferret Shelter” and hosts its own site at www.laneferrets.org.  For more information about volunteering or making donations to the shelter, contact Melanie at laneferrets@yahoo.com.  And of course, if you already have a pet ferret, don’t forget to look into next year’s Agility Trials.

*Ferrets are not the only type of animal commonly, although mistakenly, kept caged most of its life.  It is equally important to allow plenty of time out of the cage for many birds, rabbits and rats, and not doing so often results in the deterioration of the pet’s health.

Article and photos by Lauren L. Zavrel