"In today's hustle and bustle of life, when lives change for whatever reason, sometimes as pet owners we contemplate a change... for us, and for our pet ferrets. There is one change which should be weighed very heavily in the hearts of ferret owners, however, that of turning an older ferret over to a shelter...

Yes, in the worldly ferret community we think 'the shelter can provide better for my ferret now,' 'I don't have the time,' etc. Or perhaps the shelter knows what to watch for in an older ferret, etc. However, there is an undeniable action: abandonment. And your ferret will sense this, whatever the reason, whether you think it is for the better or naught."

Excerpt of larger article by A.K. Drakiotes, via Ferrets Anonymous