| Hello Ferret Friends! On August 26th, we sent out an e-mail letting you know that the California ferret amnesty bill (SB 89) passed both houses and is on its way to the desk of Governor Schwarzenegger. We don't know if he'll sign it or veto it, so it's crucial that Californians send a note to the governor asking him to sign SB 89 into law. We talk more about this in this newsletter. This newsletter's "Did You Know That..." column features a discussion about communicating with your veterinarian. As you may have noticed, July and August are big months for us celebration-wise (birthdays). But the month wouldn't be complete without a celebration sale for my parents' 25th wedding anniversary! So stop by the Ferret Trading Post and save $5.00 on the Super Monster Pack of Modern Ferret back issues. --Mary
In this newsletter:- California Ferret Legalization (Amnesty) Bill, SB 89: Californians Need To Write To Governor Schwarzenegger NOW!
- Did You Know That... (Communicating With Your Veterinarian)
- Silver Wedding Anniversary Sale at FerretTradingPost.com
Purchases from these stores help support this newsletter:
|
|
If you live in California, you need to write to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ASAP. If you have friends or family in California, ask them to write. You can send your letter by mail or by fax. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor's Office
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-445-4633
Your letter doesn't have to be long. Californian's for Ferret Legalization (CFL) gives these examples: | Letter #1: Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: Please sign SB 89, which decriminalizes current ferret owners. These good citizens own a domesticated pet that is legal in the rest of the continent, should not be in the jurisdiction of a wildlife agency, and is safer to people and the environment than a dog or cat. The current ban is unfair and a waste of taxes and governmental goodwill. Signed,
Your name and city |
| Letter #2: Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: Please support SB 89 the domestic ferret bill. It makes no sense to make ferret owners in California criminals when ferrets are legal in every other state on the continent. Sincerely,
Your name and city |
CFL recommends keeping your letter short. The point here is to make Governor Schwarzenegger aware of the number of people who are concerned about this issue. We received an e-mail from reader Ted Basowski that mentions some important points to keep in mind when writing to the governor. I've added my comments in brackets [ ] after the bullet points: Only because I've written to political figures before, I've found it useful to make sure that your letter has the following 4 elements:- First, make specific reference to the specific bill in question. [In this case, SB 89, the Ferret Amnesty Bill]
- Second, include a brief explanation of reason for the effect the bill will have on you and your community. [Here, you might point out that the bill will decriminalize California citizens who simply want to have a domesticated ferret as a pet. You might also say that ferrets are legal in every other state in the continental US. You could say that studies have shown that ferrets are less of a threat to the environment than dogs or cats are.]
- Third, clearly state your recommendation to your legislator. Do you want him or her to favor or oppose the bill? [We want Governor Schwarzenegger to sign SB 89 into law.]
- Finally, it is important to not make any threats or promises to the governor. [In other words, don't say you won't vote for him or that he's an idiot if he vetoes the bill. Be polite and respectful. Don't use off-color language.]
Of course, and this should go without stating, it's important to address the governor appropriately and to be professional about your letter. Trust me, it will get better attention. Mary's Ferret News pointed out that the letter doesn't need to be long or complex. I do agree with that point; however, it's important to state your case. To simply say, "I think you should sign it. Sincerely, J. Doe" isn't sufficient. They don't want a yes or no from you. They want an explanation. It doesn't have to be fact, but an explanation of some kind is necessary. I prefer fact. It's harder to say no to. :) [In other words, you can say that ferrets are lovable little animals and they are wonderful companions. You can simply say that you love your ferrets or that the ferret owners you know love their ferrets as members of the family.--M.] Also, even if you don't live in California, I would still send a letter. It can only show your awareness and help the governor make a more informed decision; keeping in mind that [letters from] residents of California will carry more weight. Take Care,
Ted |
If you like, you can also telephone the governor. However, the best way to make the point is to send a physical letter (or fax). So do both! Phone: 916-445-2841
To respond to legislation, press #2, then listen for SB 89, press #1, then to support SB 89 press #1
No California ferret legalization or amnesty bill has come this far. Although SB 89 does not legalize ferrets in a broad sense, it does make it possible for ferrets currently in California to become legal. (For more about this bill, see FerretNews #71.) Thanks to Jeanne Carley of Californians for Ferret Legalization (CFL) and to Ted Basowski for their input.
www.FerretDesigns.com
Check out our new California ferret legalization design!
| 
I am not a criminal
Button & Magnet
| 
I am not a criminal
Bumper Sticker
| 
I am not a criminal
T-Shirts
| 
Ferret Wall Clocks | t-shirts, sweatshirts, barbecue aprons, bumper stickers, caps, tote bags, license plate frames, greeting cards, mugs, posters, clocks...
FerretDesigns! | 
Tile Top Trinket Boxes/Cremation Urns |
Did You Know That ... How well you communicate with your veterinarian can make a difference in your ferret's well-being. Vets know about animals and they usually have a good rapport with them, but a vet can't read an animal's mind. The best way for them to know about a particular ferret is from our observations. As the "ferret parents," we're the ones who know our pets the best. To ensure that you give your vet all the information he or she needs to diagnose and treat your ferret, write it down. It's not our job to determine what is or is not important. If you notice something out of the ordinary in your ferret's behavior, include that information. Write down the symptoms that made you decide to bring your ferret to the vet. Write down when or how much your ferret is eating, drinking, sleeping, and using the litter box -- even if it's only that he's drinking more than usual or eating less than usual. Note if your ferret is using an unusual spot for a toilet. Write down what your ferret's stools look like (color, consistency) and bring a recent sample if you can. Often, when we get to the vet's office, we get nervous, flustered, or sidetracked. If you've written down all the information you need to give to your vet, you won't forget anything. If you make your notes on a computer, you can even print out a copy for your vet to keep. As with human parents, ferret parents sometimes "just know" that something's off with their pets. If you feel your ferret should have a particular test (for example, a blood glucose test or an x-ray), ask your veterinarian about it. He or she may not feel it's necessary -- and it may not be -- but you will feel much better if ask. If you feel strongly about it, you can insist on a particular test. When our Marshmallow was acting a bit like he had a partial intestinal blockage, our vet did an x-ray. The x-ray didn't show a blockage, but we knew our Marsh -- he had a habit of eating things he shouldn't. Our vet said we could wait and see if an antibiotic helped or we could do an exploratory surgery. We opted for doing the surgery right away. Our vet found a hairball in Marshmallow's stomach -- and a diseased right adrenal gland (he had no symptoms of adrenal). Although I'm sure the surgery would have happened eventually, we knew Marshmallow well enough to make the decision to do it sooner -- while Marsh was still strong -- than later. Another way to help get your vet the information he or she needs to give your ferret the best care is to keep a "medical chart" of your own at home. Note things like when each ferret receives a vaccination, what illnesses or surgeries he's had, and medications he's taken. This can help you see if there is a trend or pattern to illness (for example, frequent bouts of diarrhea may actually be inflammatory bowel disease). Your ferrets rely on you to get them the best care you can; keeping records and writing down signs and symptoms before vet visits can help you do that.
Silver Wedding Anniversary Sale at FerretTradingPost.com The Ferret Trading Post is looking for any reason to have a sale! From now until September 6th, save $5.00 on the Super Monster Pack of Modern Ferret back issues. This sale is in honor of Mary's parents' 25th wedding anniversary. This summer is just full of celebration. You don't need a coupon to take advantage of this sale. The sale price applies to international orders as well as domestic US orders. (See FerretNews #76 or the Ferret Trading Post for international shipping costs and options.)
Thank you for reading FerretNews. Californians -- don't forget to send your letter to Governor Schwarzenegger. Let's make 2004 the year of ferret amnesty in California! --Mary, Eric & Gabby (the lone ferret)
Stay tuned for more. You can always get updates by reading my blog (a blog is an online journal). I keep it sporadically and it usually runs to the more personal stuff. But you might like it. It's at http://www.modernferretblog.com/mary
Ferret NewsPlease let your ferret friends know about this newsletter and encourage them to join. http://www.ferretnews.com Shopping at these web sites helps support this newsletter so we can continue to send it for free to all who want it: http://www.ferretdesigns.com http://www.ferrettradingpost.com http://www.amysdesigns.com You can provide feedback about this issue at: http://ferretnews.com/feedback.html or by sending email to:
mary modernferret.com
or to
feedbackferretnews.com Disclaimer:
http://ferretnews.com/disclaimer.html
The shortened version of the disclaimer is: If your ferret is ill or you think your ferret is ill, bring your ferret to a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian. Copyright 2004 Modern Ferret magazine.
All rights reserved.
http://www.modernferret.com Tell us what you think of this issue.
HOME | NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE | PRIVACY POLICY
DISCLAIMER | CONTACT | LINKS | TOPICAL INDEX
©2002 - 2008 MODERN FERRET MAGAZINE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Get Your Ferret Supplies Online  |
