Oct 22 2008
About me
My name is Barb Carlson and I run the Hide-E-Hole Ferret Rescue in Pittsburgh, PA. I’ve owned ferrets since 1987 and have been officially running the shelter since around 2001.
Aside from running the shelter, I also work full time as a secretary. Having a “real” job at the same time as running the shelter makes things both easier and harder. They’re easier because I like to eat and enjoy central heating. They’re harder because running the shelter already is a full-time job, so I have the equivalent of two full-time jobs.
I’ve always loved animals and my parents always knew where to find me … I was to be found where the animals were. We didn’t own pets until I was around 10, but that didn’t stop me from gravitating toward everyone else’s pets. I was the kid who could pet the stray dog that snapped at everyone else. I was the one who would stand for hours talking to the horses. I was the kid who cried when cars hit wildlife.
No wonder my house has always been an “animal house” as my husband puts it.
As the kids left the house (I had four), I basically replaced them with ferrets. I always thought that was a good trade, since you can put the ferrets in a cage when they’re naughty, but if you do that to your kids, they put you in jail.
I also have a large dog, Lady, who likes most of the ferrets, as long as they don’t bite her feet. If the naughty ferrets are out, you’ll find Lady asleep on mom’s water bed. That’s one spoiled dog!
When I’m not doing something with the ferrets or working, you may find me (in good weather) riding my motorcycle or riding with my husband on his. I’ve always enjoyed being a little different from other people. My husband says I’ve succeeded.
I’m also interested in science fiction, enjoy horror novels, make jewelry, write and sing songs (usually to do with ferrets), act in amateur plays any chance I get, and take about a zillion photos of ferrets.
