Gavyn and Eva

By: Miranda and Sonja

In October of 2014 Sonja smuggled a ferret into her home despite the promise she made to her husband. Their lifestyle left little time to care for a dog or cat, but Sonja had had ferrets in the past and knew the bond a ferret would share with her family would be priceless. Having been raised with animals, she fully understood the vital role that pets play in a household and the children’s development. Her grandchildren visit often and she wanted that bond with an animal for her family.

Harlow, Gavyn and Quinn holding Possum, Eva and Taz

Goss & Hermeyer Photography ©2018

When the ferret was brought home, Gavyn (6 years), Harlow and Quinn (4-yearold twins) went crazy for her, and she was named Eva after their favorite character in their favorite movie, Wall-E. Eva quickly became part of the family and everyone was smitten.

Eva was a daily part of the family’s lives. The children took on the responsibility of caring for their fuzzy friend from playtime to pooping. Taking a swim in the pool (nonchlorinated, of course), playing hide-andseek in the living room or just watching a movie with Eva by their side was a common sight. With only one ferret and three kids, their one-on-one time with Eva began to get competitive. So much so that the children started to set a timer and Eva was passed from child to child like a hot potato every eight minutes.

Gavyn’s bond with Eva was strong. He became more protective of his time with Eva and started to become violent and combative with his sisters. When Gavyn held Eva, she was completely relaxed and calm. She would lie with him and never once tried to leave his side. Gavyn was just as calm and was comforted by her loyalty to him. But a calm Gavyn wasn’t the norm. Gavyn would cry, scream and do just about anything to get out of having to eat. No amount of coaxing, rewards or punishments could force him to nourish his body, and he was facing severe health threats.

Aside from his refusal to eat, Gavyn seemed to lack the ability to self-regulate or manage his emotions. He became verbally and physically violent with his family. Mealtimes were a constant battle. Gavyn’s teachers told his parents that military school was the only solution for better focus and compliance. His future seemed bleak and his family felt helpless.

One thing they did know was holding Eva was his happy place. Eva would curl up and lick his face and nuzzle in for a nap. Gavyn would just be in that moment with his ferret. Nothing else seemed to matte r. Fearful of what might happen to Gavyn if anything happened to Eva and fully aware that with three kids Eva may be over-loved, Sonja contacted the local ferret rescue, which had a lost ferret that needed a temporary home. She eagerly said yes and welcomed Scamper into their home in June of 2017.

Earlier that year Gavyn started treatment for an eating disorder called Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). His defiance and acting out were merely a function of his severe malnutrition.

Eva was a huge part of Gavyn’s therapy. Having Scamper made time for Eva to focus on Gavyn. He relied on Eva to help him through his extreme anxiety surrounding eating and food. She helped him to step away and regulate his emotions. In Sonja and her family’s opinion, Eva’s role in Gavyn’s treatment was essential.

Since then the family has lost Scamper and welcomed Possum and Taz. Gavyn fights his battle with ARFID every day, but he has gained the skills to better manage his daily life. Eva and his family remain an ongoing part of his daily therapy.

Gavyn hopes to raise awareness for ARFID and how ferrets can be an excellent emotional support animal.