I bought my father a ferret for christmas. He had picked it out and I bought it as a surprise!!! His wife did NOT want the ferret. I kept it at my house until my dogs almost ate it ! So I had to give the ferret to him much sooner. A few months later, I now have the ferret back!!! Me and her have bonded and I love her!!! However, I wasn't a "ferret lover" because of several bad experiences. My father raised ferrets when I was younger.
I also got "stuck" with 2 additional dogs due to my "kindness". One was blind and deaf and the other hyperactive. I already had 2 dogs with issues as it was! Let's not forget about the true ruler of the house - The cat!!!
I love my pets dearly. But I understand the Poster's dilema. I am just glad the "jokes" have grown into something not so funny!!! They are now loved and cherished!!! Good luck!!!