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.

The Most Useful Piece of Info For Ferret Owners

My dog Bear left me a present. No, not that kind. He killed the squeaky toy and left the part that makes noise intact.

Now I don't have to shop for one of those toy pork-chops to squeak around trying to find the ferrets. And, I've been using the squeak and ferrevite to teach Quito and Fausto to come when I need them.

Quito is a climber. Often times I find myself nose-to-nose with this guy. This morning I used the squeak to summon the ferrets. And I hear the dreaded noise from behind the dryer. 'Gawd - how am I going to get him out?" but being a climber he made it up. (I do have to keep that laundry room door closed, but that's where the kitty litter is kept)

I hate to think how long I would have looked for him if he didn't really want to be found.

If you need your pet toy killed, send it to me and I will give it to Bear, so that you to can have the squeaky part left.

I Hate Craigslist

I just spent 1/2 hour posting on Craigslist. The objective is to get people to sign up for CLIFFNotes. I can get dozens of sign ups a day if the ads stay. Something like:

Attention Ferret Lovers –
Did you know that 27% of the nation’s ferret supplies are sold in California – where they aren’t legal?!
We’re working to legalize them! Hopefully, we are about to file an Environmental Impact Report with the state of California to start the official process.
Stay informed. We have a free, weekly email newsletter, CLIFFNotes that is emailed out every Sunday. Sign up at http://ferretsanon.com/CLIFFNotesSignUp.php
Do it for the little guy!

Having just finished posting to Yuba I check my account and see it all flagged.



A great way to help ferret legalization is to post on Craigslist. I think I've been banned, but you haven't. Please post links to http://ferretsanon.com/CLIFFNotesSignUp.php

Temptation - thy name is "Ferret"

I received a call Sunday early afternoon about a healthy two year old ferret in Carlsbad needing a home. I just lost Augie, I thought I'd move myself to the top of my adoption list.

I wasn't expecting the call so soon. It can take six months for a ferret to be available. But this was Carlsbad, 2 year old ferret.

Sounds awfully familiar to Daisy. Daisy was the best ferret who ever lived. She was 2 years old when I adopted her from a family in Carlsbad. I had just lost Chester, and said I'd take the next ferret needing a new home.

Daisy was a lone ferret. She taught me that yes - ferrets can scream. Preferably at 2:3o am. She was terrified of other ferrets. But she bloomed. She became motherly. She was one of those rare "lap ferrets" you might have heard about.

So - I thought, I might sneak up to Carlsbad today and pick up this ferret. I'd have to stop enroute at the vet for a distemper shot and ear mite check. The real problem would be when my partner, Jim came home.

If I had $25 for every "your are not getting another ferret" lecture I could pay off the mortgage.

Better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.

But then this morning I went to file my unemployment check I noticed the second week x'd out. Yes - I'm on the dole. Perhaps I should wait until I find a job or have some stable income before I bring in another pet.

Damn logic - I really want to drive and pick up that ferret. That's why I called it temptation.

(Actually - I want to go to Las Vegas, stay at a nice hotel, see some shows and bring home two babies. But that ain't gonna happen)

Update on the EIR

I did manage to have contact with Tom Gibson at the Department of Fish and Game, he is in their legal department. So far he seems like a very nice guy.

I had to explain, we want to do what is required of us to legalize ferrets in California - and, by the way, what exactly does the Fish and Game Commission require of us?

Mr. Gibson wasn't sure - he'll have to check and get back to me. He's only been with DFG for a year. But why didn't we ask this question ten year's ago? D'oh!

I have also asked help from Assemblyman John Pérez's office. When running for the state asssembly Mr. Pérez was kind enough to answer our survey - and unlike most respondents - he won. We need to know these people in the legislature.

Relations Sour With the Working Group

Unfortunately the "working group" isn't happy. They have asked I remove the survey that was emailed out (results will be in Sunday's CLIFFNotes) and have brought up the idea of another version of CLIFFNotes.

With all my heart I believe in transparency and communication. Nothing will happen without them. I have faith in the people who read CLIFFNotes. I will accept suggestions, criticisms, anything except insults. It is an open forum for all people interested in the California ferret issue.

Ferret owners are rightfully angry and impatient. We've been kept in the dark and waited too long.

Good Bye Augie

I found Augie in a coma yesterday about 5:30 pm. Luckily the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic was still open - I had him there by 6 pm. His blood sugar was 28. He was given a sugar solution but still looked like he had left us. He died during the night.
The picture above was taken the day I bought him in Las Vegas, clearly marked September 22, 2003, which makes him only 5 1/2 years old.

At the vet's office I was talking to someone else and mentioned the serenity prayer. How do you handle such things - change the things we can, accept the things we can't.

So Augie, I'm sorry you never got to places with me. But thank you for your kind soul.

Stuffing the Ballot Box

Someone added about 100 votes to our poll saying we should "wait for the working group." Looking at who clicked the link to the poll I see three people since the 100 votes appeared. Two of those three are members of the working group.

Was Yesterday a Holiday?

No one returned my phone calls yesterday regarding an EIR Consultant. I will wait until late morning today to try again.

There was a comment on our poll which showed diametrically opposed view points on this. The person said people were not educated enough to vote on this issue.

One thing that is very important to me is transparency. We are not doing anything shady or to be ashamed of. It is a simple bureacratic hoop we have to jump through. Sure there is politics involved - but we want to be scientific and credible. It is very hard to build support when you can't tell people what you are doing.

Dr Graening did provide a very useful information I'd like to share:

1. "have an academic institution update the 50-state survey and publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.
2. using a neutral 3rd party, begin discussions with CDFG; establish the requirements needed to remove the ban, and determine the CEQA process/strategy that CDFG will follow, etc.
   
   with these 2 tasks accomplished, writing the EIR will be straightforward."

I will update this blog daily until we have a proposed consultant or strategy.

A New Day For the EIR

It is Monday morning before 9 am and I have calls into a large environmental firm recommended by our previous hoped for consultant, the California Department of Fish and Game and Assembyman John Pérez.

The search for an EIR/CEQA consultant has started again. I know a little more than before and I've always known to leave it to a professinal.

It is rather humbling to call the Department of Fish and Game and ask their help in legalizing ferrets - but I have no pride. That disappeared a long time ago. Have you heard my story about size 41 underwear at the George Bailey Detention Center?

The goal is to legalize ferrets - it should be a simple goal, but not in California.

But I feel good now that I've quit waiting for the "Working Group" to finish their project. We need to proceed and get the work done. And if the bids come in higher than we expect, I'll be out there selling plasma and lining up sponsors to get this project finished once and for all.

I didn't go to jail wearing size 41 underwear for nothing!

Free the ferrets - and their owners. I will be keeping this blog up to date with progress on the search for our consultant.

UPS Loses Our T-Shirts

Box 2 of 2 our "Ferrets Are More Fun" T-shirt arrived from the silk screener on Thursday, March 5th. Odd, I thought, but Box 1 of 2 will probably arrive Friday.

It didn't. So I did a tracking and was told both boxes arrived Thursday at 4:22 pm.

UPS doesn't make it easy to file a claim or complaint, but I made it through.

The UPS driver tried to leave a note on my front door, but the dogs alerted me to his presence and near-escape. My dogs alert me to everything.

The driver says he specifically remembers delivering two identical packages a week earlier. Stuck me as odd, since I can't remember s*, (let's say much.)

In talking to the driver, I harked back to one TV show I've started watching, "Lie to me." I didn't see any tale tell signs of lying, but I don't believe the driver. I think he delivered them to a wrong address and was too lazy to go get them.

Once he left it also struck me as odd that there were no packages on our front door at 4:22 pm. My car is in the garage, it looks like no one is home, but I'm always in my home office and I was home all day. The one package did not show up until 6:30, after dark.

Oh how'd I'd like an FBI investigation into this serious crime. But this being California I'd be hauled off to jail (again) for the ferrets downstairs.

So today's plans include a big chunk of time inventorying the shirts that went out, the shirts that are here and filling a new order with Jimmy Jams T-Shirts, who is graciously going to reprint the lost shirts at his expense. I will be using him a lot in the future.

Still Worried About Fausto

Fausto stopped eating. Damn ferret, makes me worry so much.

His blood work came back normal. No obvious problems. He passed a physical without anything noticable wrong except weight loss. The guess now - iritable bowel syndrome.

Last Sunday was the low point, both emotionally and weight-wise. Since then he has been on Marshall Pet Products Duck Soup. Early in the week his vet had me add prednisone. And he'll take it and his weight is back up. Normal weight for a ferret, still skinny by Fausto standards.

Equally odd, he won't drink water out of the lixit bottle any more either. I have to have a bowl there for him.

I am supposed to take him back to the vet if he doesn't gain weight, but he has.

I've always had a special talent for knowing when an animal is sick. While others say wait before going to the vet - I can usually tell when something is serious before it is too late.

But Fausto has me stumped. He looks fine, won't eat and a certain spark is gone. For a moment this morning he did torment the dog. But not with the usual joy that task entails. Is he depressed? Nothing has changed.

Ferret Poop Is Not Getting The Best of Me

It hasn't been the best day. I'm still worried about Fausto. The runny brown poop is back but in less quantity.

And I had a hard time cleaning it up. Industrial strength tub and tile cleaner didn't bring it up. But I remembered another product in the cleaning cabinet.

Only two applications and all sign of the poop is gone. Then I just had to worry about not killing the ferret with toxic fumes.

So come Monday -Avain and Exotic Hospital, expect a call from me. I sure hope you aren't observing President's Day Weekend.

I spent Fausto's vet money on new tires. And it turns out Discount Tire was correct, you have to replace all Subaru AWD tires at once. That's four tires not two. And they need to have their stem piece replaced as well. Luckily, property tax isn't due for another week, so we might spend property tax money on Fausto.

And while I'm complaining. I was going to throw Bailey's bed out just now. I gather up the trash, and what do I find?

Thanks to our dog Bear for continually chewing this thing up, how am I going to evict Bailey now?

I had other problems today. It took six weeks to get an appointment to the dermatologist. When I arrived I picked up a message on my voice mail, a project I did had an error and it needed to be fixed asap. I waited 45 minutes at the doctor's and was never seen - had to leave. Sure enough it was my error. I couldn't charge the client for all that work, he'll probably never use me again.

Some days are unlucky. And today is Friday the 13th. I'm not normally superstitious, but my first four ferrets all died on a Friday the 13th, and the 5th was cremated on a Friday the 13th. Perhaps I should have stayed in bed, but who'd worry about Fausto?

Breaking Down and Going to the Vet

My unemployment ran out last week. We aren't making a mortgage payment this month. These are the bad old days.


And Fausto doesn't seem himself.


I thought it was the change of seasons. Fausto balloons up in the winter into a brick. He has kept his size, but his weight is down.


Someone has had runny poop for six weeks - I haven't been able to figure out who, but now I'm wondering if it isn't Fausto. Previously everyone seemed healthy, now I have one who just appears not quite right.

So with considerable anxiety - we're off to the vet this afternoon. Last time someone didn't seem right - Sunny had an unexplained anemia. It was an emotional roller coaster, about $2500 and we lost.

Fausto is special. (as they all are, but really, he's special). I love the way he came to me via the Lemon Grove Rehabilitation Center - just walked in their front door one Saturday. Big enough to trigger the automatic doors.

Perhaps I shouldn't share that. I've heard DFG say that ferrets go out and prowl for old people thinking they smell just like rabbits.

Wish us luck.

UPDATE

The vet's guess is some sort of bacterial infection. Fausto is on Amoxicillin and Flagyl. I forgot what fun it is to give ferrets Flagyl. Blood results should be in tomorrow. The words "insulinoma" and "anemia" did not come up - so I'm happy.