Ferret shelter hosts open house Sept. 20

The Ferrets with Soul(e) Rescue Shelter in the Gardnerville Ranchos invites everyone to its fourth annual open house and ferret frolic on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.

Ranchos resident Linda Soule operates the nonprofit shelter, which takes in abused, abandoned or found ferrets. She hosts an open house each year 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.

The ferret frolic will feature a variety of games such as a water cup tip, bag escape and a tube race. Contests will include longest and shortest tail, longest kiss and best dressed.

In addition, several fundraisers will be held. Plan to purchase some raffle tickets and be ready to bid on items during both the live and silent auction. Prizes include a Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital gift certificate for an appointment with Dr. Cameron Ross, a free-standing hammock, stained glass art and plenty of ferret toys and bedding.

Fellow ferret owners are invited to participate in a gift exchange. Bring a ferret gift valued at no more than $20 to take a gift home to your pet. Those who don't own a ferret can still bring a gift and make a shelter ferret happy.

A variety of ferret items will be for sale including bedding, water bottles and other necessities for proper pet care. Ear cleaning and nail trimming will be available at the open house.

The shelter gladly accepts donated items to help keep things running smoothly. Items needed include: HE laundry soap, fabric softener, regular bleach, gently used bath towels, ferret toys, double bed comforters and child-size sleeping bags. Also, ferret food from manufacturers such as Totally Ferret, 8-in-1 Ultimate or ZuPreem is always in short supply.

Monetary donations help offset operational costs and veterinary bills and are tax-deductible since the shelter is nonprofit. Gift cards to Petco, Pet Smart, Wal-Mart and Costco would also be greatly appreciated.

Several 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 in ferret-proofing your home.

Anyone with a love of or interest in ferrets is encouraged to volunteer at the shelter.

The Ferrets with Soul(e) Rescue Shelter open house will start at noon Sept. 20 at 977 Pleasantview Court in Gardnerville. There will be a $1 admission fee per person and per ferret. A $1 donation is requested for each ferret frolic game. A $3 hot dog/Polish dog lunch will be available, along with a variety of tempting desserts. Family passes, which include lunch, goodies and raffle tickets, may be purchased.

For more information, contact Linda Soule at 265-6744.

n Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.