A festive ferret frolic took place at Total Pet in the heart of Prince George Saturday.
Hosted by Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society as it celebrated its 10th year, guests could find out just what it takes to successfully invite a fuzzy friend into your home.
Ferrets are curious, busy, active, playful bundles of energy and as with all animals, some have really outstanding personalities.
For one foster ferret father it's all about the roll and wrestle, the bounce, hop and dook (little noises made by facetious ferrets) and all the fun those words evoke.
Rick Roberts, along with wife Lori-Anne, are dedicated fosters who have created an entire room for the ever-busy, hyper-focused creatures to explore, complete with a rice pit and a dirt box.
Right now the family has seven ferrets in their care, which makes theirs a busy household.
It started when daughter Quin worked at a pet store about four years ago and brought home Baby. Now there's Gus, Koba, Dot and Tips, to name a few.
"Ferrets are like a kitten and a dog combined," Roberts said.
Roberts uses social media to connect with ferret fans from across the world.
Shalina Edge is the founder of the rescue society and as she chatted Saturday she was holding Tips a foster ferret who was in constant motion. Edge used her hands as kind of a treadmill to keep Tips moving without him really going anywhere until he tired out.
"They sit nicely for five minutes," Edge said, as Tips cuddled into her arms.
And then things changed quickly as Tips shook his little body and found his way into the arms of an interested patron's jacket at Total Pet. Tips made himself at home in the man's hood but only for a minute, as ferrets do.
"People always say curiosity killed the cat but there's definitely got to be something said about ferrets," Edge said.
Ferrets have no survival instincts so guardians have to be vigilant, she added.
Edge talked about one ferret she had when she was younger that went straight up to the fire in the fireplace and came so close before she could catch up to the little animal that when she pulled him away his whiskers were singed and he just turned around and went right back.
Ferret-proofing is highly recommended.
Derian Chambers is the manager of Total Pet and she offered the Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society the space to host their celebration because she knows it's important to support good causes, especially when it comes to animal rescue societies.
"It's great for people in the community to support each other," Chambers said. "And when it comes to things like this you just want to be part of it."
Chambers thoughts turned to the upcoming holiday season.
"We just want to get as many rescue animals homes for the holidays," Chambers said. "It's the same for rescue puppies and kittens - all animals need a home."
Chambers said she does not sell ferrets in the store because housing, exercise, care and feeding for the animals is more than most pet stores can manage successfully so she will often refer customers coming into Total Pet to a rescue to help pets find a loving forever home.
"I feel more confident referring people to the ferret rescue and it's the same thing with bunnies - I will send people different ways to get their pet," Chambers said. "I love ferrets. I think they are an amazing animal to have but they can be a lot of work and that's where the education part comes into it - we have to teach people about animals and their needs. We live with them, ferrets don't live with us and that's just a really special thing."
Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society is looking to raise $500 to help offset operating costs. There were door prizes, baked goods, stocking stuffers and pet accessories for sale as part of the fundraising efforts.
For more information about the Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society check out the Facebook page.
