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Friday, May 30, 2014

Does Anyone Want a Ferret?

Should New York lift its ban on having a ferret as a domestic pet?

New York, California, and Hawaii are the only states that ban having a ferret as a pet.  They are related to weasels, minks, badgers, otters, and are considered docile.



Aren't I cute?  

The theory for banning ferrets is that they have a tendency to bite making it dangerous for it to be around children.
According to the NYC Dept of Health, Office of External Affairs,


Ferrets are known for their unpredictable behavior, and they are prone to vicious, unprovoked attacks on humans. Ferret attacks reported nati?onwide over time have become notorious for their severity and capriciousness, causing serious injuries to some infants and young children in particular... In New York City's multiple dwelling residences, which are not natural habitats of ferrets, a ferret could crawl through holes in walls or travel along risers or ducts to other apartments, with potentially tragic consequences for the neighbor of a ferret owner."

Would this face bite someone?




This of course makes little sense because the same could be said about dogs, cats, even parrots.  Children need to be supervised around animals.  They need to be taught to be respectful and not taunt animals.

Ferrets are related to badgers and weasels who will burrow into small spaces in search of prey.  They can dig under fences and escape so owners should take measures to prevent that if they let their ferret in a yard.

If the ban should be lifted, vaccinations for rabies and distemper would be required as they are for dogs.

Friday, May 23, 2014

The Dangers of Retractable Leashes


Many of us have written about the dangers of using a retractable leash for your dog.  This afternoon, one danger with those leashes was directly responsible for injury.

BJ and I were in our lobby talking to the doorman this afternoon.  A woman came out of the elevator with her large dog of at least 60-70 lbs.  (BJ is 20 lbs.)  They were saying hello, nose to nose, when for no reason the dog started to attack BJ.  He was biting BJ's ear and then his mouth and shoulder.  And, he wouldn't let go.  The woman had a retractable leash that was unwound and she had no control over her dog to pull him off BJ.

Needless to say, BJ was yelping, struggling, and bleeding.  He peed on the floor and pooped all over himself because he was so scared.  I slipped on the wet floor trying to get to him.   The owner finally was able to get her dog to release BJ, BJ was shaking and whining.  He didn't even want to go out on his walk.  He hurt and snapped at me when I tried to undo his collar.  (My poor baby.)

He was still shaking while eating freeze dried lamb lung, his absolute favorite.
He wasn't happy when I took (dragged) him into the bathroom.  BJ does not like getting a bath, but there was no way he could go without one.  He snapped again when I tried to put him the tub.  (poor pup)

I shared my roast beef dinner so he might feel better.  He's resting now.

I used a retractable leash when I took him to the park.  After 9 AM when he had to be leashed, it gave him more space to run around.  Outside of the park I shortened it to 4 ft. and locked it.  Too many people unlock the leash and release it go too long.