Furry Ferret Friends

Not feeling well? I've got just the thing ferret...

Children in hospitals and schools across the West Midlands, UK, are being visited by three furry ferrets who have apparently helped children come to terms with their illnesses and injuries and overcome their fears of being in hospital.

Dr June McNicholas last month told the British Small Animal Veterinary Association that Robyn, a white albino female and Stonybridge, a blind male have helped children over the last 6 years in what she describes as 'Ferret Therapy'.

Playing with the ferrets apparently encourages children to ask questions about their illnesses and Stonybridge in particular shows young blind children that sight defects don't have to stop you from having fun and enjoying life. Dr McNicholas adds "When the ferrets have had operations, they can see the stitches on them and feel more confident about what it means to have stitches themselves".

Friday, 24 May 2002