Animal welfare group continually comes to the rescue

Tamara von Ouhl, president of the non-profit Concerned Ferret Owners organization, bonds with two of the 19 ferrets currently being cared for by the animal rescue group. WASHINGTON TWP. -- Abandoned at just a few months of age, Philip was on the verge of starving to death. by Kevin Lechiski/Warren Reporter Friday August 22, 2008 KEVIN LECHISKI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER NJ.com The three-month-old baby ferret was left to fend for itself in the wild, where these domesticated animals just don't have the skills or instincts needed to survive on their own outdoors. Fortunately for Philip, he was found outside a Pennsylvania home in just a nick of time. "Philip was really on his last legs; he was so emaciated and dazed, continually falling over," said Tamara von Ouhl, president of the non-profit ferret rescue operation Concerned Ferret Owners, which took Philip into care at its Washington Township shelter. Since then, Philip has made a remarkable recovery -- he's in tip top physical condition and is waiting to be adopted.

Philip is just one of a seemingly countless number of ferrets that have a received a new lease on life thanks to CFO, which von Ouhl said is filling a huge need and demand in the region by providing ferret rescue and adoption services. Calls to CFO for help not only come from throughout New Jersey, but also from other states, where the organization at one time took in 40 of the ferrets that were left behind when a major breeder in Ohio ceased operation.

The state-licensed CFO is run out of the basement of von Ouhl's home, where 19 ferrets are currently being cared for. The ferrets under CFO's care come to the organization under a number of circumstances, ranging from being abandoned inside a foreclosed home to being found in the wild. A number of cases occur when people who purchased a ferret decide they no longer want the animal when they discover there's more to these pets' care than simply being left in a cage. Von Ouhl said these cases often arise as a result of people who make an "impulse" purchase and fail to do appropriate research.

Von Ouhl, who has been involved with the organization for about 15 years, said the most rewarding aspect of working with CFO is when loving homes are found for the ferrets under their care. "When you know a person is ready to adopt a ferret and is going to love that little animal, that's the best feeling," she said. "The ultimate goal is to adopt all of them out -- getting them ready to find a new home, to find the right connection for them."

Von Ouhl said ferrets make really good pets for several reasons. She said they can be very affectionate and playful, don't make a lot of noise, are affordable, and can be in a cage.

At the same time, like other animals, von Ouhl said there are various aspects of care that need to be carried out. Like a dog, a ferret needs periods of time to run around, and should not be left in its cage around the clock -- a mistake that's often made. Even though they sleep a lot, ferrets can become hostile if constantly caged. Von Ouhl said many people mistakenly believe a ferret can be continually caged in a fashion similar to a guinea pig or hamster.

Von Ouhl said one of the biggest misconceptions about ferrets is that they are "fighters." She attributes aggressive ferrets to owners who fail to handle or train the pet correctly. "I haven't run into any ferrets that are truly malicious that haven't become that way other than how they were treated."

In an effort to help CFO further its ferret rescue efforts, the organization is holding a yard sale this weekend in Washington Township at 101 Washburn Ave., located between Routes 57 and 31 and also known as Route 630. The sale will feature a wide array of new items and good used items, both at very low prices. The sale will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

In addition to providing ferret rescue services, CFO serves as an information resource. Von Ouhl encourages anyone with questions or concerns related to ferrets to contact her.

For more information about Concerned Ferret Owners, including this weekend's yard sale fundraiser, volunteer opportunities or how to make a donation, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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