From:
Rosalie Yudelson
Date: 2001-04-29 01:10:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ferrets & newborns/kids & pets
I'd like to add my 2 cents w/this one...I feel the ferrets are getting a bad
rap here!
When our 4 yr old was born, our ferrets were'nt here yet. We actually were
introduced to our first ferret "experience" through our little boy. He fell
in love w/ a little silver guy while in a pet store when he was 2. We DID
have 2 dogs, 2 cats and lots of friends with toddlers. No child in my home
is ever "allowed" to be alone w/ any of our pets, also under no
circumstances were any toddlers left unsupervised w/our baby-why? Because
they're all unpredicatable (toddlers included) and ANYTHING could set them
off, resulting in the harm of our baby. We did NOT "get rid" of our pets, we
made a commitment to them. Our son was taught to respect our pets and he is
a true lover of animals. He thinks every home has 2 dogs, 2 cats and several
ferrets!!! By the way, his name is Noah(how fitting!)- My point is that ANY
animal is unpredictable, and I think the ferrets are getting a bad rap. IT
IS POSSIBLE to have pets and kids-you just have to watch them. When your
child is asleep, (in the beginning) let that be the ferret's
playtime.(newborns do sleep a lot!) It'll be easier on you too, because
you'll only have to focus on the ferrets for that time, being a first time
new mom is a lot to deal w/ it in itself. Be sensitive to your pet's needs
too, as their home is about to change greatly, and they may resent you.
Never let your child play on the floor while the ferrets are out. It will
take some juggling, but it can be done. When your baby gets older (1 yr)
start w/ gentle petting on the ferret's back while you hold the ferret. Once
you see how they react to each other, you can take it from there. You should
never leave your child alone w/ any animal-cat, dog, bird, rabbit, etc. Why
would anyone leave their child alone w/ something potentailly dangerous? The
last post contained a message about ferrets biting babies (which was rather
disturbing)- where were the parents of these poor babies?? How did it
happen? Why were the babies and ferrets together???? Obviously there was a
lack of education and common sense on the parts of the parents. While I
think that it's horrific that these children were bitten-it could have been
prevented. Now, I'll step down from my soapbox!!! I'm sorry if I've offended
anyone-I get rather headstong this subject.
Proud Mommy of Noah,
Finster,Keeley,Al,Sophie,
Jack, Carlo, Angie, Neera & Powder
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