MEETINGS

The TRFC has held meetings since before it's inception in 1997. Meeting places have varied from several public libraries (Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill Branch, its Main facility in Oakland, and Monroeville PL), to ThunderPuppy in Murrysville. However, we have finally found a permanent home at the Mt. Washington Community Center. Since we have such a high level of interest, meetings are held every month on the third Sunday, however in the past we met every other month.

Topics of meetings have been educational (ferret care and medical issues, such as ECE, first aid, and blockages) and fun (jammie hammie workshops, toy workshops, Holiday parties), and are a great way to meet other ferret owners in the area.

FERRET AWARENESS DAYS (FADs)

Held at local pet stores, FADs are a fun way to educate and meet with the general public about ferrets and their care and to network with other ferrets owners. Participants greet store patrons and passers-by with fuzzies, and answer questions about the TRFC and ferrets.

FADs are generaly held three to four times a year at pet stores in and around the southwestern PA area.

SHOWS

The TRFC has sponsored three ferret shows in the past years. The first was held in New Stanton, PA, back in September of 1997, when the TRFC was not officially an organization. It was an AFA-sanctioned, three-ring championship show with specialty rings, and lots of raffle prizes were offered. It was heavily attended considering there was not much advertising.

The second in March of 1999, was a PFRA (PA ferret shelter system) benefit and was held in Oakmont, PA. It was a huge success in helping to raise money for the needy shelters. Ferret owners from all over the east coast and as far west as Michigan came to show their fuzzies and purchase ferret-related items from a large number of vendors.

In May of 2002 we hosted a show which was an Aleutians Disease Research benefit. We were able to donate over $1,500 to the University of Georgia for ADV Research. The specialty show attracted ferret folk from all across the country and included educational speakers and a special ADV Positive "Photo" Ring.

Our 4th show was held on October 1, 2005 at the Mt. Washington Community Center where our meetings are held. This was an AFA Championship show, over 100 ferrets competeted in the championship & specialty classes offered. With the proceeds from the show, we were able to donate $1,000.00 to the Helping Hands Ferret Rescue in New Castle, PA.

PICNICS

The annual Three Rivers Ferret Follies and Picnic is a well attended, fun event for the TRFC. Started in 1997, the Follies is a great time for both ferrets and their humans. Held in the local county parks, the day is packed with ferret fun matches, seminars for the owners, opportunities to puchase lots of stuff for ferrets and people alike, and of course, loads of food.

The Follies are usually held in September at South Park.

See photos from the 2004 Picnic - 8th Ferret Follies

FUNDRAISERS

Throughout the year we may paticipate in various fundraising events. One example is the annual holiday giftwrapping at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Robinson Twp. Since 1999, the wrapping event has been a huge success for the TRFC.

Other examples of fundraising activites include both Tupperware and Candle parties. If you are interested in participating in any of these activites, or have other ideas for fundraising, please contact Barb Carlson.