Never Assume....

[Agronvall]

Unrelated to ferrets, which is why I'm posting here, because I have another fur kid. But despite this, I thought it could relate to the care of ferrets and that it would be good advice. 

About a month ago, I was walking my dog in my neighborhood. Well, she was in one of her silly moods as she wasn't in the mood to walk. She'll just stand, not walk, and try to walk back home lol. But once I get her to walk, she'll surrender and walk with me. 

This time....Things didn't go as planned. The leash slipped out of my hand, and once she noticed this she started to walk back home! I called out to her to come, but she wouldn't obey since she was to intent on getting back to where she wanted to go. And when she walks, she walks pretty fast! And when she runs, she's a flash!

So like a hawk, I made a dash (fell to the hard concrete)at her and scooped her up before ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN. I was so quick, even she wasn't expecting it! And just like that, a car came driving by on the road. It was so scary, it was like a near death experience for me. And I didn't care I really messed up my leg either, I was just glad she was safe...And in that moment of panic and terror; all I could focus on was getting her to safety. 

I know everyone on here is VERY responsible and smart when it comes to the care of our pets. We go above and beyond and feed them raw, we know what foods are bad for them. And we give them all the love in the world while knowing their personality to a T. 

But it just goes to show you to NEVER assume. Always know that no matter how well trained your pet is, there still might be the chance they get it in their head to do what they want to do. And accidents happen too, in the blink of an eye. 

Another time my dog got a hold of a health bar I was eating...I know, I'm not trying to sound like a bad owner here, please don't think of me as irresponsible! And we had to rush to the vet to have her poor little stomach pumped. She's good now, and everything well. But that was another scary moment of my life and I had never felt so  mad at myself in all my life. And if I had lost her in any of these occasions...I don't know if I could have lived with myself. 

Be prepared for the unexpected, double check where you leave your food or other items, have a tight grasp on your leash, and have a plan if your animal gets loose somewhere or what to do when they run off. I can only thank God for all the times He has saved the little dog He as blessed me with. And thinking back on all of these times, I felt very compelled to say all of this.

I wish all of you well, including your dear furry loved loved ones! 
God bless.

[abbeytheferret6]

Glad you and your dog are safe and sound.

I feel like someone is watching over my little ones too. My husband has quit cable tv and has rigged up an antenna. Attached to the antenna, at one time, was some extra wire laying on the ground. I was on the back porch when my pooch happened to step into the wire. Some how he disturbed it just right and it lassoed his back leg near the ankle. It tightened completely when he moved. I was so thankful to be around to see this and untangle him.

Also my one of my ferrets---who at the time was new to eating raw, happened to be at my feet and I noticed her tail all of a sudden bush out. She evidently must have been pawing at mouth too---although that I can't remember. But anyway, I looked into her mouth and there was a piece of rat hide that was stuck in her throat. I could not believe how tight it was as I gave it a pull---I did not jank it free because I was concerned how far down it was. But my pull was enough she could work it lose. From now on wraps that cover the belly of animals are cut up in small pieces. Neither do I feed huge knuckles as I found one of my ferrets rolling one around in her mouth.

[Sherry]

OMG I am so glad you and she are okay! That would have been terrified. And yes, far to often I think we forget they really ARE animals, and do what an animal will does.