ferret

Many pets around the world adopt an adventurous life while embracing the great outdoors. 

Oliver, the hiking ferret from Denver, Colorado, wasn't destined for a life dedicated to relaxation. 

Not too long after his owner, Lauren Smith adopted him, she knew she is dealing with a very energetic pet. So, instead of watching him digging up another couch, she decided to introduce him with the beautiful outdoors in order to help him do something more constructive with all this energy:   "I figured if it worked to take a dog out for a walk to burn off some energy, why couldn't the same work for a ferret? I began by just getting him used to wear his harness, which was a feat that involved a lot of treats," Smith told PEOPLE.

From there, they started the process of turning little Oliver into a well-trained outdoorsman, step by step. 

Smith started taking him to short walks at the local parks around her home but soon, Oliver was begging for more: "He has gotten to where he will ask to go out with me by running and standing by my front door whenever he hears it opening," Smith said.

Now, the 4-year-old ferret is a pro! He enjoys snowy mountain climbs, kayak rides, and sand desert frolics, and all is documented on his Instagram page.  

When Twitter user @garo004giru found an abandoned kitten, there was no way they couldn't leave her out there on her own! 

They decided to adopt her and welcome her into the family... of six ferret brothers. 

This is the story of Komari, the kitten who grew up with six ferret brothers, and is loved by them all. 

"Turn left at the junction, then continue north for 1231 miles. The van bounced and rumbled over the ice-covered wintery roads of northern Sweden. The journey was long, and this far north the daylight hours were long too. My load was light, my only possessions in the world were food, water and a few clothes. Most of the scars on the inside of my arm had healed totally although the mental injury did persist. My trusty adventurous ferret, Bandit, was my only companion at this lonely latitude. Why on earth had I given up my apartment, job, possessions, and civilization to drive to the arctic circle with a ferret, I did wonder? Running away? Spiritual Journey? perhaps I was still mad!? One thing was for certain, I hadn't come this far to JUST come this far." 

That's the text on the cover of the book written by 25-year-old Charles Hammerton from Falmouth in Cornwall who lost his mother, adopted mom, and his best friend in one year. Out of this deep despair, Charles decided to change his life. So he quit his job, sold his possessions and went on an adventure around Europe in a camper van with his rescue pet ferret, Bandit. Together, they drove through 11 countries over 8 months. 

Charles is now an award-winning inspirational speaker who shares his unique story and his passion for choosing inspired actions over settling for average results. Here are some adorable photos from his colorful journey with Bandit.

These two are a perfect proof that love comes in different shapes and sizes. When Nova became an adult, her owner, Diana, brought home the cutest pet ferret. Ever since they have met, they are doing everything together, as you can see on the Instagram page.

Jessica (Imgur user bimbumbim) woke up to the sound of the doggy door opening and closing. All of her dogs were with her in bed. The living creature who entered through the doggy door was certainly a surprise, especially given that it was nighttime. Here is her story. 

The ferret is a much maligned and misunderstood animal, widely believed to be a smelly, quarrelsome, amoral, biting beast. However, this stereotype couldn't be further from the truth. Ferrets are often kept as working animals due to their agility and intelligence but are also known to make loyal and rewarding companions. Ferret Day promotes the true virtues of this cute, cuddly critter and furthers the welfare of ferrets everywhere. 

They are not called "Cat Snakes" for nothing...

Get ready to enjoy the amazing and creative work from talented illustrator Liza! Liza is an illustrator and animator all the way from Siberia. She now works and lives in London, England. Liza has a passion for storytelling and we love it! She often includes her love for animals within her comics, and her catsnakes (aka ferrets!) 

For more of Liza's work, check out Instagram/ Facebook / Youtube