From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2009-02-10 01:08:14 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: REALITY check
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Even if the numbers the vet heard at the conference were wrong
(which could be from an underestimating of the total number of
ferrets IF it is wrong, or might even have been someone meaning
a region but miscommunication occurred), it is still obvious that
the people here who DO provide sufficient care are spending
thousands of dollars per ferret over the lifetime of the ferret and that
such expenses are unavoidable, so no matter what the number is I
think that we are all agreed ON THE IMPORTANT POINTS:
1. ferrets are expensive and people should not get them expecting
a cheap pet
2. not providing sufficient care is unfair to the ferrets, often
extremely unfair and sometimes even abusive
3. the costs the vets themselves face for ferret care are high and
these get passed along, so those have to be fairly recognized
4. ferret math that is out of control can degenerate to hoarding
if people are not careful and do not seek solutions if they have
accidently created or been stuck with a real mess
So, I think that the logical conclusions are these and I suspect
we'll have general agreement on this (Hey, maybe the Senate can
learn how to communicate from us ;-) ):
1. People getting ferrets may be best able to provide medical care
if the ages are dispersed
2. It is probably safest to estimate high when you save so that care
does not pose a serious risk
3. Saving ahead of time is a big help as is constant budgeting
4. People need to take medical costs into account when they decide
how many ferrets to welcome into their families
5. Vets have been generous in giving breaks to shelters, and sometimes
for other reasons including people having economic problems
6. Vets in some states are able to do some barter for chores or goods
but not all states permit that
7. It does not make sense and is not fair to insult veterinary professionals
who have helped just because they can't afford to completely give away care
8. There is no replacement for veterinary care
9. We all feel deeply for people who have been thrust into such situations
by the changing economy and understand that, but at the same time we all
(or most) worry deeply about people who add ferrets if they can't afford or
do not provide care for the ferrets they already have
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