Animals, much like humans, experience emotions, and at times they feel them even more intensely.
That is why it is so heartbreaking when someone abandons a companion, knowing full well that their human was their entire world.
One passerby in the Bronx, New York, encountered such a tragedy when she noticed a tiny head sticking out from a bag hanging off a dumpster.
Cruelly Abandoned Like Trash
Drawn by concern, the woman approached the dumpster and saw a small ferret peeking out from the bag.
Shaken by what she found, she quickly reached out to Small n Furry Rescue for assistance.
“I saw the email and my heart dropped,” a Small n Furry Rescue representative told The Dodo.
When the rescuer arrived, she acted immediately, gently removing the ferret and preparing her for safe transport.
“I am working on getting the ferret transported to the rescue. Once safe with me I will have him evaluated by a veterinarian. As long as he does not need to be held as evidence (the finder will be reporting the abandonment to NYC animal control) the ferret will be looking for a new home once cleared by a vet,” she posted on her official Facebook page.
Since keeping ferrets is prohibited in New York City, the rescuer followed the necessary procedures. She knew exactly what needed to be done.
Finally Out Of Danger
Named Trash Panda, the little female ferret was now in caring hands, awaiting her veterinary evaluation.
“Despite being found thrown away like trash, this little ferret seems to be in great spirits. She appears to be quite young and has no obvious injuries,” her rescuer shared on Facebook.
Later she shared that Trash Panda was about six to eight months old and a Marshall’s ferret, which explained why she was so affectionate and gentle.
The veterinary report soon came in. While her condition was not life-threatening, her health was fragile.
“Her heart rate was over 300 beats per minute, very fast for a ferret. Our vet did a brief cardiac exam and has come to the conclusion that she may be in some sort of shock. Considering we don’t know how long she was in the bag and possibly without food or water, this could all be from lack of nutrition and dehydration, but we are watching her closely,” her rescuer reported.
Initial bloodwork revealed anemia and low platelets, which meant she would require medication for some time.
Even so, Trash Panda’s cheerful personality began to shine, and one nurse at the clinic fell in love with her, even thinking of adopting her once she fully recovered.
Over the following days, her progress was obvious. She grew more lively, and her health steadily improved.
It wasn’t long before she was ready to search for her forever family.
The Hope For A Forever Home
On November 23, alongside Thanksgiving greetings, her rescuer posted the best news yet.
“Trash Panda, the baby ferret that was found tied to a dumpster in the Bronx, is doing fantastic! She is continuing to gain weight, her symptoms are improving and her true playful personality is starting to show!” she wrote.
Best of all, Trash Panda already had a wonderful forever home waiting for her, with two resident ferrets eager to welcome her once she was fully recovered. Soon she would finally know the joy she deserved.
Considering how social ferrets are, her excitement must have been immeasurable.
May Trash Panda’s journey remind everyone of the responsibility that comes with caring for these small but spirited animals.