Critter Corner: Ferrets, rabbits, ducks — oh my!

Recently, we received a call from a woman who was walking in Dan Daniel Park. She had found a very skinny ferret that also was very friendly. Shelter staff members went to the park to pick the ferret up. The woman was exactly right; the ferret was emaciated.

The ferret seemed to be so relieved to be put in a large, clean cage with fresh water and good food. She ate and drank with gusto, and then curled up for a long, long nap. We wondered if she could have wandered away from a home, but we also wondered if she could have been abandoned in the park.

A few days later, Parks and Recreation personnel brought another skinny ferret to us. This one also came from Dan Daniel Park. We introduced her to the other ferret, and they greeted each other with great joy. It was obvious that they knew each other, and a few minutes later after the new addition had had her fill of food and water, they curled up for a long nap. Now, we began wondering if they had been abandoned in the park.

A few weeks past, and we received a call from another walker in Dan Daniel Park. This time, a skinny domesticated rabbit had been found. Again, the rabbit seemed relieved to be put in a cage with soft pine shavings, water, rabbit food, and fresh vegetables. Again, we were left to wonder whether she had been abandoned.

Two weeks ago, yet another walker in Dan Daniel Park called about a baby duck in the river. It took us a while to find the duck, but we finally spotted a domesticated yellow duckling swimming close to the riverbank. Because of thick brush, we could not reach him, but it seemed that he was trying to reach us. This duckling was comfortable around humans.

April Hogan, the shelter manager, went down the river several feet, made her way to the riverbank, and began making peeping noises. The duckling began frantically swimming toward April, and climbed up on the sand bank. April scooped him up, and he nestled into April’s arms with great relief. Again, we believe he was abandoned.

Some people may believe that small companion animals will survive if placed in parks. After all, there is plenty of grass for them to eat. The reality is, small companion animals have been domesticated and cannot survive. It is abandonment and it is illegal.

Any of these four animals were at risk from starvation, attacks by wild animals, severe weather, and unkind people. Remember, we, along with Animal Control officers, are the ones who are called to pick up the animals that have been hurt, starved, or killed. We know what can happen.

Happily, the ferrets were adopted into a home where they can remain together. The rabbit is still at the shelter, and will remain here until we can find him a home. The duck continues to grow rapidly. He is very much imprinted on April, and makes us laugh as he waddles around wherever April goes. He loves his swimming time in the bathtub.

If you have or know of someone who has any companion animal that they can no longer take care of, please remember that we do not turn away any animals. In fact, visit the shelter and you will see that we have quite a variety of animals. Each one is gladly accepted.

• Critter Corner is co-sponsored by the Register & Bee and Danville Area Humane Society. Questions or comments should be mailed to Critter Corner, P.O. Box 3352, Danville, VA 24543 or e-mailed to .)