They are faster than cats and feistier than dogs, and when one of them is in need, this week’s 7Everyday Heroes come to the rescue.

Matthew Jaramillo and Lee Wise started Ferret Dreams Rescue and Adoption in 2005. The pair has found homes for nearly 200 ferrets. The economic downturn has led to a rise in abandoned ferrets.

"We have a unique niche in that we have the time and resources to devote to those animals with behavioral and medical problems," Wise said.

Ferrets require a lot of stimulation, so Wise and Jaramillo have transformed part of their home into a ferret playground. Their basement is stocked with food and sleeping cages, and even has a medical station.

"It's just the satisfaction of looking back and seeing that you made a difference for an animal. Everybody, in my opinion, has a social responsibility to give something back to the world," said Wise.

Wise and Jaramillo can accommodate a dozen ferrets at a time. To learn more about Ferret Dreams Rescue and Adoption, click here.