If you're thinking of adopting a ferret, call Randy Horton. Last week, the city of Aurora told Horton he can no longer operate his nonprofit, Especially Ferrets, in his home. The official word is that Horton's rescue efforts conflict with city zoning laws. The city says Horton must tear down his back yard Ferretland, a maze of hollow tubes connected to a concrete castle, rivers and a water-fountain volcano.
Ferrets romp and wrestle in the enclosure.
Horton met his first ferret seven years ago, when he was depressed following a heart attack. Word spread that the retired fishing boat captain loved ferrets. The animals started appearing in boxes on his doorstep. Especially Ferrets is the only licensed ferret rescue league in Colorado. Last year, Horton took in 900 critters and found homes for more than 700.