We Don't Get A Lot Done On Saturday Mornings

Saturday mornings are kind of leisurely. I put the laundry away, clean the aquarium and I do it all with the help of my dog Shorty (the Corgi) and ferrets Fausto and Quito.

The ferrets live downstairs and I feel bad that they are isolated most of the time. But Saturday mornings I take my time and appreciate their help. Of course it takes a lot longer that way.

Pictured on the couch is my very shy dog Blue (she just got a Summer haircut) who just hopes the ferrets will leave her alone.

Thank God It's Friday

Only a few days things seemed discouraging. Well, they still are but how can anyone be gloomy when this photo arrives in your inbox?

That's my Fausto, fat, healthy and happy. This was a photo by Jamie K done last week at our calendar ferret shoot. The best ferret event I've ever been to. Too bad so many people missed it. I can't wait to see the other photos.

I'm also happy to report that Quito is doing well. He hasn't been on duck soup for a few days now. I actually saw him eat more than one kibble. (He had a hairball removed a couple of weeks ago.)

Any my Golden Retriever Bear seems to be doing better. We spent $1500 on vet bills for him two months ago but never got a diagnosis. He started to limp again. There is no money for vets but I gave him some metacam and he is back to his old self. I wish they made metacam for people.

And then there is the California EDD. Somewhere in a dark ivory tower there are people plotting how to make other's lives miserable. They sent me a notice that my claim has been denied. A lot of text, and then at the bottom of the page is a little check box - "this doesn't effect continued claims." So basically they are denying a claim I didn't make and I can continue to be one of California's long term unemployed.

The state does handle all its issues the way it handles the ferret issue and that is why we are up that creek without a paddle.

A Big Thank You to Harley D - And I Know Who You Are

A check made out to me arrived at the Ferrets Anonymous (San Diego PO Box) with a note. "You are always passing on other's dilemmas... this is for Quito."

Quito had a hairball and required surgery. As I mark one year of unemployment, two months until we are foreclosed upon, unemployment insurance delayed because I declared $254 of self-employment... it was a boost.

The letter was from Harley, Phoebe and Stella.

Here's Haley's baby photo, so cute I kept it (above). I know Haley had his own surgery, too (I'm on Twitter)

I did manage to get Quito's surgery done on credit. It will be paid off shortly. Thank you Dr Jenkins and Crew!

Saturday mornings is my time to do laundry. Quito, Fausto and my corgi Shorty like to help. It takes a lot longer to get things done. But it was nice having Quito participate in the effort. I like having him be himself. Popping out of a drawer in the laundry room he nearly gave me a heart attack - so welcome back Quito.

But really things aren't so bad at my house. We do have the funds in the bank for that evil National City Mortgage. We've learned that loan modification is a fraud. It was explained to us that Obama is covering the bank's loans - not the borrowers, so mortgage companies don't have much reason to make any deals.

I thought I was fired for being gay at my last company. But they have since fired everyone over 45 - so I would have been fired shortly thereafter anyway.

I'm trying to launch my own company. I'd much rather have a regular pay check, those were the days! But I think of all the horrible bosses I've had (and I could write a book) and perhaps this is the best case.

But life is so full of stress. Now our Golden Retriever Bear is limping again. When we got Bear nearly six years ago I kept hearing horror stories of this breed dying from bone cancer. Even the dog in "Air Bud" died from bone cancer that year. Perhaps it is my unreasonable fear but I'd rather be able to order all the tests - though there isn't much one can do if it came out positive.

God these pets are expensive. The next pet in this house is getting pet insurance. But no new pets until things get financially resolved.

Then it is my fantasy to go to Las Vegas and get two baby ferrets! How fun!

Ferrets Are For Worrying

We stole the slogan "Ferrets Are More Fun" several years ago and created new artwork. Truth be told, ferrets are more worry would be a more accurate slogan.

I only have two ferrets. These are really bad economic times, I'm scared to death of another vet bill.

Fausto has had heliobactor infections three times. Today he's back to his fat self.

But I picked up Quito the other day and noticed how skinny he is. By nature he is a skinny ferret, but this was an unhealthy skinny.

When I was medicating Fausto, hiding his medicine in duck soup, Quito always wanted some. So I made an unmedicated batch for Quito.

Quito apparently decided he didn't want to eat regular ferret food anymore.

I considered switching them from Marshall Pet Products brand to the Totally Ferret turkey brand, so they have a mix of both foods. I can't tell which they prefer, but Fausto is doing well on it.

But Quito will only eat the Marshall's brand of duck soup. So I'm putting down as much as I can. And he eats it like white trash at the Home Town Buffet. I've put a little weight on him.

He still has a lot of energy - but I worry.

To Be Secretive Or Not

I just read an article online at http://www.queerty.com/californias-poll-4-equality-results-are-in-no-you-still-cant-see-them-yet-20090603/ and it sure reminds me of our issue.

I am a strong proponent to repeal Prop 8 but certainly not a decision maker in the process. There are people unhappy about the strategy to repeal Prop 8 cloaked in secrecy, just as some people want the strategy to legalize ferrets to be secretive.

It leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling that people in leadership positions think so little of the rank and file. While not everything needs to be broadcast, secrecy is a sure killer of any grassroots effort.

That's why I put our ferret legalization in the spotlight. Let the whole world see what we are doing. Ferret legalization is not rocket science and the more people who know about it the better.

Than again, no one is running commercials about "A Storm is Gathering - Ferret Legalization Hurts Me."

Where is Ferret Legalization at Ferrets Anonymous?

I'm a big fan of Lance M, President of Ferrets Anonymous. I think we have a number of disagreements. A quality person allows for disagreements, even invites them.

So I have to wonder, where is the ferret legalization effort at Ferrets Anonymous?

The latest issue of the PawPrint mentions what's ahead for FA:

So what’s coming for Ferrets Anonymous in 2009? Besides exciting new chapters cropping up in California’s central counties and elsewhere, and our bylaw updates - we have Laryssa N., who is knowledgeable about MySQL databases, who will be working with our existing website designer, Daphne B. from Maryland, who is responsible for the look and feel of www.ferretsanonymous.org, when she’s not working on Olympic figure skating websites. The website will be a primary focus to continue building and keeping in top shape to serve the needs of all ferret aficionados throughout California, as well as those looking to relocate to the Golden State (even though the “Gold” has been tarnished because of the ferret ban). I’m very much looking forward to seeing much accomplished this year with the FA Board, even with our slow start, as well as with the website, and increasing interaction amongst FA chapters.

I appreciate the organizational efforts but what about a goal? What is the purpose?

There is a lot of work to running an organization. It is impossible to do everything that needs to get done. Throw in rescues and it gets worse.

But I would like to see more focus on the actual legalization of ferrets in California.

The Working Group - Same Mistake Twice?

I'm excited that our EIR Consultant, Dr. Geo Graeining is preparing the first step towards an EIR to legalize ferrets in California. After so many years we are actually getting somewhere.

If you have been following this story you know that we had a false step back in January 2007. When money was offered to help legalize ferrets we decided to do the Environmental Impact Report. The best minds in ferret legalization got together and a strategy was mapped out.

Somewhere, they made a turn. It was decided unilaterally and without consultation that an EIR was not needed. Governor Schwarzenegger, they thought, merely needed a well-reasoned study to see the light.

There is a certain logic to this. The Department of Fish and Game and their allies at the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health Services have put out spurious research papers on ferrets for years. Fight fire with fire.

But this has been done before. And the head of the current working group might have had a hand in it. The result was a very enlightening paper CDFA 1990 Public Information Manual.

This paper was so well done that it made me a ferret-legalization advocate.

But it backfired.

The California Department of Fish and Game dug in their heels and became even more anti-ferret. They did not like to be shown up.

It came to mind because this paper was referenced on a DFG website. My fear is the next issue (and I have no idea when it will be out) will have a similar affect.

Ferret lovers are a cautious group. They don't want to make mistakes. Don't do this or it could set legalization back for decades! (not years - decades!) is something I often hear.

Use a professional and comply with whats been asked of us is my current reply. And based on the money that came in from CLIFFNotes readers - there is support for this position.