News
The Ferret & Dove Sanctuary, Inc.
October 13, 2007, 9:11PM MT
By Judy L Marshall
Champion caregivers that strive to help the furry and feathery creatures that are in their care.
Champion caregivers that strive to help the furry and feathery creatures that are in their care.
By: Judy Marshall, Best Friends Network
The humble beginnings of a ferret sanctuary came about with the simple act of Wes Hurley adopting his step-grandson’s ferret ten years ago. Since 1997, Wes and Susan Hurley, of Pensacola, FL have been rescuing and sheltering primarily domestic ferrets and domesticated doves, along with the occasional rabbit, guinea pig-cavy, cat, dog and hamster. The couple re-incorporated their sanctuary, a licensed, registered non-profit 501-c(3) shelter, in 2003 and named it The Ferret & Dove Sanctuary, Inc.
For those who question what ferrets and doves have in common, Wes and Susan have a very simple answer, “They both need taken care of because both have been domesticated by humans and are dependant on humans, so – somebody has to be responsible for them.”
Through the years, the Hurley’s have adopted out over 160 ferrets, 60 domestic doves, 25 rabbits,11 guinea pigs, 2 chinchillas and an assortment of other furry and feathery creatures. They currently have 61 ferrets, 41 doves, 6 cats and 1 dog ready for adoption. Many of the pet ferrets surrendered to their sanctuary come from the military personnel stationed at the local military bases that have received their transfer or shipping-out orders and cannot take their pets. Wesley says they adopt out about two to six animals a week and are adamant about making follow-up calls to the new adopters to make sure the pets are doing well in their new homes.
Wes and Susan know the importance of teaching children how to be responsible pet owners and have sponsored several pet care class projects with a local middle school. Twice a week for six weeks, students come to the sanctuary and are taught how to be responsible care givers. They clean cages, feed, bathe and interact with the ferrets and doves. The kids have a great time and learn very valuable tools that will help them when they have pets of their own. Wes and Susan are also planning to launch a Living Pet Library in at least one of the schools in the community.
What you can do.
If you live in Pensacola or nearby, the Hurley’s would appreciate the help of adult volunteers donating a half hour or more of their time weekly to help them take care of all their little creatures. They would also appreciate any monetary donation to help them pay for food, cages, bedding and vet bills.
For more information, you can contact Wes & Susan Hurley as follows:
The Ferret & Dove Sanctuary, Inc.
3815 Tom Lane Drive
Pensacola, FL 32504
Phone: 850-475-0780
Email: winnersm@bellsouth.net
Website: Ferret & Dove Sanctuary
and http://ferretanddovesanctuary.petfinder.org]