j Welcome to Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue/Shelter Inc.
   Welcome to Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue/Shelter, Inc.

Jax, Rowan & Tessa

   • Surrendered to the Shelter on December 22, 2018.
   • Jax was a male. He left for the Rainbow Bridge on May 5, 2020.
   • Rowan is a male.
   • Tessa was a female. She left for the Rainbow Bridge on February 17, 2021.

   • Would you like to Sponsor these three?
   • Read about how they arrived at the Shelter by clicking here, or read their latest updates below.

August 30, 2022:
  Rowan is acting off, He got a Dex shot, he has not wanted to eat his soup in 2 days, prior to yesterday he was asking for a second bowl of soup each time I served meds. PM Update: Rowan spent several hours pacing in his cage after I put him away. He wouldn't settle, eat his soup, ferretone or treats. I got him up after I got morning shift put away, I let him have the kitchen, again he went to the treat dish, and water dish he had no interest in either. He was unstable on his feet but wanted to be in the kitchen. I came up for a short break when I went down to check on him he was in the same spot I left him only he had passed away.

June 12, 2022:
  I moved Rowan into the empty cage that Tina's kid was in, he's in the medical bank of cages.

May 20, 2021:
  I made the right decision moving Rowan into the cage on the south side of the room. I tested his blood it was 55. He's on meds 2 times a day starting tonight.

April 6, 2021:
  I got Rowen and Lola switched out so Lola is in the medical bank of cages. It's much easier to remember to give her the medication now that she is in the bank with all the others that get meds.

February 17, 2021:
  When I went to get Rowan and Tessa up I found Tessa gone, cold and stiff.

February 16, 2021:
  It seems Baine and Tessa are shutting down. I'm dropper feeding them both.

January 14, 2021:
  I checked Tess's blood glucose - her numbers are 34 after her morning meds. I will be adding her to the mid-morning meds list.

May 5, 2020:
  We lost Jax today, he started struggling a couple of days ago. He didn't want his soup he was on meds 3 times a day. He just plain had enough. Thanks for trusting me with that beautiful little boy.

Hi Brenda, This is Karlyssa and Jon. Thank you for letting us know about Jax. I know we haven't been the best about keeping in touch, so it was very thoughtful of you to inform us. This is of course still very hard news for us, even though it's been about a year and a half. Many strong bonds and memories had been formed. We really appreciate all you did to help us and continue to do for us with Rowan and Tessa. Karlyssa's health has been very up and down the last year. The cancer is gone, but there's still a lot of damage that has been done and the fallout affects her daily. Just yesterday, for example, she fell off a step stool and bruised her leg pretty badly, but her first thought was that she was glad no ferret was around to get fallen onto. So we still realize that we made the right decision, as hard as it has been adjusting to life without them.
So I hope it isn't too much of an imposition to request his ashes be returned to us. We would of course pay for all costs and we would come pick them up and even give a quick hello. Please let us know if this arrangement can be made. We can forward you the money as early as this weekend.
We look forward to hearing from you and once again, thank you for everything. Jon and Karly

January 23, 2020:
  Jax didn't want his afternoon soup, I put him in the sick pen with the bowl thinking he will eat it when he's ready. He didn't eat it and didn't want a fresh bowl when I was doing evening meds. I ended up putting his meds in a dropper of soup getting him to take his meds that way. He's acting like Bandit was when I put her in the sick pen. I hope he's feeling better in the morning.

January 23, 2020:
  Jax is not doing well again today. I left him in the sick pen.

January 20, 2020:
  I've now got Jax on meds 3 times a day. I started that yesterday, when it came to evening meds he ate his soup out of a bowl and all of it. He did the same this morning. His glucose numbers are improving.<

January 18, 2020:
  Jax didn't want his soup/meds this morning, I let him go until midmorning then offered him his meds in a dropper of soup. He took them reluctantly, I did the same tonight. Again he took them reluctantly.

January 16, 2020:
  Both boys: Lance and Jax are still with us, both wanted their soup this morning and ate every drop. Lance is out of the sick pen, back in his cage. Jax part of first shift this morning, he is out and about.

January 15, 2020:
  I had to give Jax and Lance a Dex shot tonight. Lance ate his midmorning soup but he was in a crash tonight. I put him in the sick pen for the night. Jax could stand or eat his soup tonight so they are both not doing well.

December 19, 2019:
Dear Mr Butch and Miss Debbie, Mum let us open our presents. Take a look at us checking them out. Thank you, thank you, for helpen Mum take care of us.

     

December 7, 2019:
  Jax II - I started giving him soup yesterday, he doesn't eat a full bowl but he is eating maybe 1/2. A typical slow start for a kid that is not accustomed to getting soup every day. When the strips get here I'll get a BG reading.

February 3, 2019:
  We also have a fur kid coming in, one of the cage mates that were with Rowan and Tessa. The family found a home for him, however it didn't work out and that person dropped him back in Karlyssa lap . Jon contacted me asked if we would take him and get him back into the cage group he came out of. Doc Edwards has seen him (not on our dime) and said he is in good health. I will do my best to get the three bonded back together. I am moving Rowan and Tessa into the cage Max and Shy have been in so it shouldn't be too hard to get him back into the fold.
  The new fur kid got here at noon, family stayed to see if Jax would remember Rowan and Tessa and vice versa. They did and do remember each other. Before the family left, the 3 ferrets crawled into the dresser drawer curled up with each other to take a nap. They have not forgotten their buddy Jax, they are all in the one cage sleeping in the hammock.

January 27, 2019:
  Tessa was dancing and dooking with me this morning. She came to me when I tapped on the floor. I think she is going to do just fine. Tessa, the little girl that came in terrified of every movement. Beginning of last week she was consistent about coming to me when I call her. When ferrets first come in I teach them this. I tap my finger lightly on the floor when they are around me, when they come I give them a lick from the ferretone bottle.
  I decided to allow her to have the kitchen with her brother Rowan, there are many places they can get to I can't reach them so kitchen is usually the last any get to hang in, until they can be trusted.
  They were doing well, hanging out running up and down the tube I have stretched from top to bottom of the stairs. I felt comfortable walking out of the kitchen. When I got back to the kitchen I found Tessa in a pickle.
  See attached, she had gotten up in that little cubby where I keep scrap paper. She could not get up or down. I have no idea how she managed to get there. The picture is without her in the cubby, I could not walk away to get the camera and leave her there.
  She has come a long way in a short time, she rarely runs when I walk into the room now.

December 31, 2018:
Hi Brenda,
  Sorry for the late response I saw the email right away and before I opened it I was scared it was going to be bad. It sounds actually like they are doing much better with you than they did with me.
  I think in the last year that my health has been failing, Tessa has not once danced or dooked with us. I am glad Rowan has lots of rooms to run through. He had so much energy here and no room or time out to run that he started his biting and attacking again. When we dropped him off I told him to be good for mommy and no more biting and to be nice to his new friends. He has so much energy. I am really glad that they are settling in so well. Hopefully things start to look up soon but I am glad the kids have a safe, happy, and loving place to be.
  Karly and Jon

Brenda's Response: I will always forewarn you in the subject line if it is bad… I don't expect it ever will be.
  They are adjusting. Rowan was giving me kisses this morning. Tessa has slid some to hiding. I let her and Rowan have the ferret room with me while I cleaned cages she would not allow me to catch her, she kept hiding on me. I left her in the room for several hours while I went about my day. She finally decided to come out and allow me to move her to the room Rowan was in. it's only been a week so I expect she is going to have good days and better days as she navigates her new life and home. He is a happy little boy for sure. He loves the rice box. You worry about getting you back on your feet, I will keep the fur kids going until you are ready to come get them to bring them home. Keeping you in my God Box. Brenda

December 28, 2018:
  Tessa is starting to trust me, this morning she jumped on my leg to get my attention. When I bent down to see what she wanted she started to dance and play with me. The kids are adjusting well, eating drinking and seem to be happy. They love the rice box and the corn starch peanuts box. Rowan runs full speed from room to room.
  I let them run 3 rooms with me in the morning while I am doing meds. Tessa is still too skittish to allow in rooms she could get lost in. i.e.: kitchen and living room. It will be a week tomorrow that they came, they have come around amazingly in that little bit of time. I will try to get some pictures for you now that things are settling in some.

December 24, 2018:
Hi,
  How are Rowan and Tessa doing so far? I hope they aren't overly sad or depressed and are doing well. I miss them so much.

Shelter Response: They are doing okay. Rowan more accepting than Tessa but she is starting to learn she can trust me. Nope I kept them in the smaller front room for the first day, and part of yesterday, I gave them the bigger room yesterday afternoon. They did okay. Their poops look good so they are eating.
  No doubt in my mind. Take care of you so you can bring them home. Brenda


Initial Contact, December 9, 2018:
Hi Brenda,
  I hope this email finds you well. This is one of the hardest things I have to do. I still have two ferrets that are a part of my family but due to medical reasons I can no longer care for them.
  I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and as time has gone on we have realized that; although they have their own dedicated bedroom, they no longer really see us anymore.
  They do get to come out daily but it seems they get scolded more than anything. If I'm not at medical appointments then I'm sitting in my recliner barely able to move wishing things would end. The pain has become unbearable for me.
  With only Jon working now we are no longer able to afford our bills and must move in with family who refuses to let us bring the kids. We love them with all our hearts and want to keep them for selfish reasons but they are not receiving the love and care they deserve. It is with a sad heart I ask if you can bring my two babies into your home or see if someone has room for them. I would love them to stay together as they have been together since babies but I understand if they can't. I just worry about depression.
  Our oldest is Tessa, 4, and she is our ferret ninja warrior. She loves hoarding soft leggings and wallets and sleeping inside the drawer of our island which was customized just for her. She will bite if you try to take things from her stash which she closely guards. She is a delicate peach flower (just don't tell her that). Her brother, Rowan, is a jerk and mighty proud of it. He's also the biggest sweetheart. He is 3 years old and we got him when he was almost a year old. He had been very neglected and due to this was a biter. It was a habit we loved out of him. He still occasionally gives a nip when kissing. Both of our ferrets love kissing on the lips and being cuddled close. Rowan does a head bob to show you he acknowledges you (and usually ignores you).
  If you are unable to take them in or find someone I do understand and appreciate you taking the time to read this email at least.
  Karly

Shelter Response:
Oh Karly I am so sorry to hear of your health issues. I will keep you in my God Box. Okay. I guess I now know why the cage we have empty is still empty. We will take your two babies. Are they up to date on vaccinations? If not are you able to get them to OFD to do so? If that is a financial hardship we will cover the expense - I will call the office to cover the cost. They sound delightful. Let me know if you can get them to OFD for vetting if they need it, We have room for them.

Owner Response:
Brenda,
  I honestly can't remember the last time either of them have had their shots. I'm pretty sure it's been a few years so I know that they are both due for it. I don't think either of them went to Doc either since we took them to one of the clinics here that just did it for us. I don't know if we are able to afford the shots for both of them up front. If we can pay you back for the cost that would be great.
  I do know that we would like to go ahead and help out whenever we can and whenever we have any extra money; even if it's just 20 dollars a month. We appreciate that you are willing to take them in for us. It means so much to us to know that they will be going to someone loving and caring.
  Also, we do have their 2 tiered metal cage and some sleepy toys and stuff that can come with them. The cage needs to be cleaned first as it has been somewhat neglected with my health failing.
  I will call Doc first thing in the morning to set up a time to get them in. What is the best way you would like us to get them to you. We can drive them down there if that is easiest. Would you like us to bring their cage and toys? Also, can Tessa bring her wallets and a pair of her leggings that she loves?
  Karly

Shelter Response:
Then we will cover that expense, I will need to know when they are going in so I can call that day to pay for it. Tell them they are being surrendered to the shelter please - That's what we do. Yes everything that belongs to them needs to come with them. Yes please - I lost so much time from work last year I can't take off to come get them or get them vetted. Sure she can - let me know when. Brenda

Owner Response, December 10, 2018:
Brenda,
  I called Doc and they scheduled the appointment for next week Wednesday the 19th at 7:00pm. They have the kids listed under your name and address now with a new chart and just said that you'll need to call and confirm the appointment and that they are being paid for by the shelter. Also, when is a good time to bring them to you after the 19th? Let me know what works for you.>

Shelter Response:
Conformation done - I will be gone on the 20th teaching a class in Batavia - working the 21st. weekend is open.

Owner Response, December 10, 2018:
Alright I'm going to need to buy a new base for the cage. Jon got the 2nd level off fine but it was bought new a few months ago but the base is 6 years old and hasn't been deconstructed for 4 years. He broke some of the metal that connects everything. I'm bringing the 2nd level and I'll but a new primary kernel and have it shipped to you if that's ok.

Shelter Response:
No don't be buying anything. Keep what you have bring kids and bedding we will have a cage for them when they get here. There is no need to spend money on a cage. Okay? Brenda

Owner Response, December 10, 2018:
The kids are vetted and they gave us the papers to take to you. I have an mri again saturday so afterwards we will drive out there putting us at your place between 2 and 230.

Shelter Response:
Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the heads up - Brenda