Ferret rescue shelter hosts open house Sept. 11

The Ferrets with Soul(e) Rescue Shelter in Gardnerville invites everyone to its sixth annual open house and ferret frolic, noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 11. Attendees can also enjoy an after-frolic party from 5-8 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 games, a ferret costume contest and a ferret photo competition. Fellow ferret owners are invited to participate in a gift exchange; bring a ferret gift valued at no more than $20 and take a different gift home to your pet. Those who don't own a ferret can still bring a gift and make a shelter ferret happy.

Be ready to bid on items during both the live and silent auction. Raffle tickets will be available. Dr. Cameron Ross from Carson Valley Vet Hospital will be there to answer questions and a representative from Performance Foods will be on hand with a variety of ferret goodies.

The shelter welcomes donated items to help keep things running smoothly. Items in short supply include: HE laundry soap, fabric softener, regular bleach, gently used bath towels, 30-gallon trash bags, ferret toys, double bed comforters and child-size sleeping bags. Also, ferret food from manufacturers such as Totally Ferret, 8-in-1 Ultimate, Evo Foods or ZuPreem is always needed.

Monetary donations help offset operational costs and veterinary bills, and are tax-deductible since the shelter is nonprofit. Gift cards to PetSmart, Walmart, Target and Costco are greatly appreciated.

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

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. Soule visits each adoptive home free of charge to assist new owners with ferret-proofing.

The Ferrets with Soul(e) Rescue Shelter is at 977 Pleasantview Court in Gardnerville. Admission to the frolic is $1 per person and per ferret, with a $1 donation per ferret for each game. Hamburger and hot dog lunches will be available, as well as a variety of tempting desserts. There will be a nominal fee to attend the after-frolic party. For more information, contact Linda Soule at 265-6744.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com