"Weasels Dancing in the Park" raises money for Oregon Ferret Shelter

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It was the unofficial ferret Olympics. Last Saturday, at Hammerle Park in West Linn, a crowd of about 100 people gathered to cheer on their favorite weasel during the 13th annual “Weasels Dancing in the Park” event and fundraiser for The Oregon Ferret Shelter.

People reclined in lawn chairs and set up stainless steel barbecues for the day’s events. Doo-wop music blasted from the speakers and underneath the picnic shelter. Some ferrets withered and squirmed in playpens filled with plush stuffed animals and toys, while others wore harnesses and walked on leashes with their owners.

Volunteers set up ferret playpens next to the playground. Children squealed and picked up the pliable exotic creatures while volunteers answered questions about the animals. Ferrets are incredibly social animals that like six to eight hours of human interaction a day, said Wes Smith, a volunteer with The Oregon Ferret Shelter.

Smith has owned ferrets for 10 years. He said most of the ferrets are hybrid European short-tailed weasels. The animals come in a variety of colors like soft white, caramel, brown and spotted. Their noses are either soft pink or brown. He said his ferrets like Bandit — the escape artist — and Snowball — the kissy one — are unlike any other domesticated pet.

“Ferrets are safer and more charismatic than monkeys,” Smith said. “They will stand up on their hind legs to greet you or when they want to be picked up. ... It’s like having a clown around.”

Underneath the picnic shelter gift baskets, bedding blankets and informational books were for sale. Exotic pet veterinarians provided news and medical information about the animals, and ferrets like Viper, Brutus, Molly and Peanut competed in the ferret Olympics.

The competitions included:

Pro Can Tip — Whichever ferret could knock down the most empty soda cans and plastic bottles in 30 seconds won.

Plant Dig — Whichever could dig the most dirt out of a pot in 20 seconds won.

Bag Bust — Whichever could get out of a paper bag the fastest won.

Tube Race — Whichever could run through 5 feet of plastic tubing the fastest won.

"We do a lot of education and adoption outreach events at pet stores each month but this is our big event,” said Kimberly Reynold, event and volunteer coordinator with The Oregon Ferret Shelter. “It’s our informational session for owners and veterinarians and a chance to raise money for the shelter.”

The Oregon Ferret Shelter was founded in 1985. The shelter, play facility and surgical ward is operated entirely by volunteers and located in Oregon City. The organization is a 100 percent no-kill shelter, which cares for homeless ferrets until a permanent home is found.

Last year, the organization took in 556 ferrets and found homes for 481 of them. “I just love it here,” Reynold said. “We do a lot of good work but our continued goal is to get the word out and let people know we are here.”

The shelter is one of a handful of its kind in Oregon and Washington. Currently, the shelter has 120 ferrets for adoption and hundreds of other animals that, due to special needs or behavioral issues, cannot be adopted.

Reynold said although the animals require special diets, human interaction and medical care, they make great pets.

“Ferrets are kind of a cross between a cat and a dog,” she said. “They like to get into things and cause a little bit of trouble, but they are one of the most entertaining pets to own. They are tried and true and very loving.”

For more information about The Oregon Ferret Shelter, volunteer opportunities or adoption inquiries visit oregonferretshelter.org. To contact the shelter email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 503-557-8369.