BRAMBLE'S STORY
(Part One)
The Beginning

This is the story of Bramble; a remarkable ferret, who achieved more in four and a half years than most humans do in four and a half score years. Her unique affinity with humans made her remarkably skilled at adapting to the needs of those lesser mortals who shared her life.

Bramble taking a treat from Karen

Bramble takes a treat from Karen
© Howard M. Kennedy

Bramble was born in Aberdeen some time late in 2000; we don't know exactly when because Bramble was found abandoned at around six weeks old in Aberdeen's Duthie Park. Working backwards from when she was found, we decided that her birthday would be October 14th. As she wandered frightened, confused and alone she was spotted by a concerned person who contacted the Animal Wardens. Bramble was taken to Mrs Murray's Home for Stray Dogs and Cats. She featured in their regular spot in Aberdeen's Evening Express newspaper, seeking new homes for abandoned animals and that was where we first saw her.
It was love at first sight and I called immediately to see if she was still there. When they said she was, my eldest daughter Heather and I jumped in the car and went to see her. Bramble took to us immediately and we asked every question we could think of about looking after ferrets. We had to wait a week and make sure we could provide a suitable cage and environment for her. After a very long week, we went back to collect Bramble and were delighted that she seemed to recognise us.

We took her straight round to my wife Karen's hair salon to meet her and Bramble spent the rest of the day entertaining the customers by chasing rollers around the floor, nibbling biscuits and sharing cups of tea with little old ladies. She became a regular visitor to the salon over the next six months. If she was not there, many disappointed customers would ask where she was. Bramble's incredible abiltity to captivate people was very evident even at such a young age. When the salon folded in mid 2001, Bramble's hairdressing career came to an end.

Back Part Two