Ferret Rescue Shelter hosts open house

The Ferret Rescue Shelter in Gardnerville invites everyone to its third annual open house on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m.

Ranchos resident Linda Soule operates the non-profit shelter, which takes in animals that have been abused, abandoned or found. She hosts an open house each December as a way for people with an interest in ferrets to come together, share stories, laughter and good food, and also to raise awareness about ferrets and their care.

"A ferret is something that weasels its way into your heart, your life, and your love," says Linda. "They are mischievous, curious, and high maintenance," she laughs.

Ferrets are closely related to weasels, otters, mink, badgers and European polecats. Domesticated ferrets are not rodents, nor are they wild or feral. They are unable to survive for very long on their own and are dependent upon their human counterparts for care and well-being.

Some of the ferrets at the shelter are available for adoption and the open house provides a perfect opportunity to see if a ferret could be the right pet for you. The first step in the adoption process is to fill out an application, followed by a scheduled interactive visit with the ferret you are interested in adopting. Finally, Soule will visit your home, free of charge, to assist you in ferret-proofing your home.

The open house will feature raffles and a live and silent auction. Prizes include pet items for dogs, cats and ferrets, gift baskets, calendars and Christmas items. You could even win an office visit for your ferret, complete with an ultrasound and melatonin implant, with Dr. Cameron Ross of Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital.

Dr. Ross plans to attend the open house and will be available to discuss ferret issues and answer questions.

There will be a variety of pet items for sale, including bedding, water bottles and other necessities for proper ferret care.

In addition, the shelter will gladly accept donated items to help keep things running smoothly. These items include: HE laundry soap, paper towels, regular bleach, gently used bath towels, ferret toys, double bed comforters and children's sleeping bags. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated to help offset operational costs and veterinary bills, and are tax-deductible since the shelter is non-profit. Soule also encourages anyone with a love of or interest in ferrets to volunteer at the shelter.

Fellow ferret owners are invited to participate in a ferret gift exchange: bring a ferret gift valued at no more than $20 and take a different gift home to your pet. Even if you don't own a ferret you can still bring a gift and make a shelter ferret happy. Soule suggests ferret toys, crinkle sacks and food specifically for ferrets from manufacturers such as Totally Ferret, Mazuri or ZuPreem.

The Ferret Rescue Shelter open house will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 977 Pleasant View Court in Gardnerville. For more information, contact Linda Soule at 265-6744.

-- Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com.