18/01/2024
“Fesnyng” is a less common word for a group of ferrets. It is pronounced “fez-ning”; simply put it is a fun word to say and since ferrets are fun creatures to be around, it matches. I have always had an interest in ferrets. I’ve met many over the years in the veterinary field, and while I fell in love with them, I knew II couldn’t give them the attention they would require with my lifestyle until relatively recently. That’s when Iris came into my life (more on her later).
While I call my main group of ferrets the “Business Empire” as a business is a more common term used to describe a group of ferrets, I chose fesnyng as a part of the sanctuary name as it also means misprints or errors. Ferrets are amazing, adorable creatures that people think are simple, easy pets as they are kept in the same section as the guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. in pet stores. They get them without doing the appropriate research into the care and requirements for appropriate care. Once they realize the time and needs of ferrets, they often get surendered or poorly cared for and do not receive the appropriate medical attention (if required). This is where I come in—and the reason for this sanctuary. I want to provide for these ferrets that need a stable, loving environment.
Over the weeks, I want to introduce each ferret of the business. What brought them to my care, their quirks, funny habits, and just their general loving personalities.
I want to start with Iris. I adopted Iris during my last year of residency training. In fact, in the last few months of my residency. She was found in a dumpster about a week prior to presentation by an ACO (Animal Control Officer). The ACO’s mother was caring for her but didn’t have a lot of knowledge about ferrets. Iris came to the hospital for lethargy and vomiting and was diagnosed with a foreign body obstruction that required surgery. I remember walking into the ER while they were placing an IV catheter and instantly fell in love with her sweet face. When I found out that they were considering euthanasia due to financial concerns, it was offered for them to surrender her instead and I jumped on adopting her. I took on the financial responsibilities immediately and off we went to surgery. I brought her home later this night and she has been a treat ever since.
During her two-week recovery period, I took the time to “ferret proof” the house to ensure she would be able to safely wander (under supervision, of course). Now, the house was already dog and cat proofed but you can never prepare for the work it takes to ferret proof. Wow, do they find the craziest things! We did a SLOWWW introduction to the other animals of the household and they, too, instantly enjoyed her presence. Soon enough, it was safe for her to free-roam while someone was home and she was safe in the presence of the other animals. She very quickly became the center of our household. She learned how to interact and play with the dogs one way and our cat the other!
She has also been termed as the “coy queen” as she knows exactly how to rope in humans too. She knows that she has us wrapped around her little toes. She very quickly learned how to gently hug our hands or arms, indicating that she wants to be picked up. She loves to go for rides on folk’s shoulders. She also is very good at rolling onto her back, indicating she wants belly rubs. She would sleep in a scarf basket in our bedroom at night with the rest of the family. She is our “OG”, our number one. She is the reason my passion for ferrets and their care has taken off.
She does have adrenal disease and requires an implant to help control the signs. Thankfully, she has moved on from foreign body ingestion.
As always, if you have a ferret in need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
