Slinky Link the Ferret’s Happy Tail
April 11th, 2023
By Savannah Verdon, Development and Engagement Coordinator II
If Alexis couldn’t find her four-year-old ferret, Link, anywhere else in their apartment, she knew if she opened her dresser drawers he would be curled up among her soft sweaters. It was the little guy’s favorite spot for a nap and a constant delight for Alexis to see him so comfortable and happy. It had been a little over a year since she had seen his cute face online and decided to adopt him. In the meantime, Link, Alexis, and her two-year-old cat had grown to be a tightknit and loving family of their own:
“I consider him my kid and forever baby. His presence is so big for a little guy who doesn’t make sounds besides dooking. He gets along so well with my cat and they have become close brothers who play and take care of each other. Link makes my days so happy and makes me not feel lonely since I live alone. All of my friends love Link and Link loves everyone he meets.”
Link was often up to his own ferret antics, but Alexis noticed one day that he was acting particularly strange. He would get up from his warm, cozy naps just to go potty. Link would try and try, but he couldn’t urinate. She brought him to a veterinarian with ferret experience and after taking X-rays, Link was diagnosed with a bladder stone.
Alexis could see her sweet boy was in terrible pain, and without surgery and a change to his diet, it would only get worse. But her spring semester at college had just begun, and her demanding, full-time class schedule only permitted her to work over the summer and between semesters. Between paying for rent, bills, groceries, and the cost of Link’s X-rays, she was quickly running out of the money she had saved.
She was willing to start working more despite her classes and sell some of her belongings to supplement what she had left to put toward his surgery. Even so, she wouldn’t be able to save enough soon enough to help poor Link. But she couldn’t imagine not having him in her life, or for her kitty to lose a brother, so she applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant to help cover the full cost of saving his life.
With her application approved, Alexis brought Link back to his veterinarian to have the potentially deadly bladder stone removed. Not only was the surgery a success, but Link was as spunky as ever within days of coming home. Two weeks later, she shared this joyful update with us:
“Link is doing so well! He has so much more energy and is the best at taking his medicine! He was immediately wanting to play after surgery – nothing can stop him! He immediately tried stashing his favorite toys even though mom had to stop him because they were too heavy after his surgery. He’s absolutely crazy and just wants to play and sleep! He’s been getting spoiled this past month and is so happy to be sleeping in his mom’s dresser again and in his hammock. Link and I are so thankful for your help!”
From families like Alexis and Link and all of us here at RedRover, thank you! We couldn’t do it without the compassion and generosity of our FurEver Friends. ❤
