Joan Scheer’s life changed dramatically one day in 1996 when her husband wandered into a pet store and stepped out with a furry new friend – a ferret named Bandit. Eleven years and 17 ferrets later, Scheer can’t imagine life without her ferret bunch, which she fondly refers to as the “Wrecking Crew.”
“They have absolutely improved my quality of life,” Scheer, of Pennsylvania, said. Many of her ferrets were formerly abandoned or returned to pet stores.
Readers from around the country report that ferret ownership is a choice that comes with its own distinct set of challenges and rewards. Welcoming a ferret into your home could change your life in at least seven ways.
Health
The companionship of a ferret can positively affect its owner’s health, according to several readers. Lisa Watson of Nevada bought her first ferret as a therapy pet for her daughter. “She needed something that needed her,” she said. As her daughter’s relationship with the ferret developed, Watson noticed a marked improvement in her daughter’s health. Watson’s health improved, too. “My blood pressure came down,” she said. “It gave me a focus and helped me feel more relaxed.”
Scheer credits her first two ferrets, Bandit and Rascal, with alleviating some symptoms of depression. “I was going through a tough time, and it was definitely the ferrets that kept me up. I have never laughed so much.”
**For the full article, pick up the 2008 issue of Ferrets USA or click here to buy the issue.**