People keep posting that the MF debate does no good and that nothing is
accomplished as a result of such.  I completely disagree and here is why:
 
1) The debate might actually encourage those who are looking to adopt to
go to a shelter and get a ferret (is this a bad thing?) instead of a
petstore.
2) Those who have had bad or similar experiences with MF, and have not
been on the list prior, have been able to contact me and help me take
this to the next level of action.
 
I will not accept the unethical things that MF does to ferrets.  It is
very easy to run a business using ethical practices and still be
profitable.  I can site numerous businesses in this economy who are
ethical and still make a profit.  I just refuse to accept this as an
excuse and that it would make MF unprofitable.  I view it in the reverse
terms...it would help them because then people would have more faith in
them thus trusting that the ferrets they are purchasing have been handled
humanely and shipped humanely.
 
Many of you have asked for proof.  I think it is hard to get "physical"
evidence of what goes on within their breeding facilities and how they
track ferrets genetics or precautions they use to prevent ADV being
introduced into their facilities without them allowing what I have
already proposed.
 
All I have, thus far, is proof of what I have encountered personally with
their employees and the ferrets I have cared for.  There is a serious lack
of knowledge with MF's customer service dept and there is a considerable
problem with one of the higher ups.  These are minor compared to what I
plan to address with them, however, MOST companies appreciate the feedback
and look to better themselves as a result.  The question is how to get the
higher-up (I am STILL waiting for that promised call from Peter Reid) to
return phone calls so these things can be addressed.  I cannot understand
why they don't return calls and I am NOT the only one who has encountered
this.  Ignoring me, wont work because I will find another way to go about
getting them to take notice.  I would love for it to be as easy as a phone
call, but that just hasn't worked so far.  Now that others are willing to
take up the task, things will progress.
 
What are my plans?  First, I will send a detailed letter regarding my
experiences with prior conversations with them to the OWNER.  The letter
will also ask many different questions that I want responded to, in
writing.  Second, a website will be in place (password protected) for
people (initially shelter/rescue workers) to enter in data.  This is the
closest I can get to scientific evidence.  I am not rich.  I think the
end result will be quite alarming to those who are naysayers.  In any
case, it should get MFs attention and hopefully those who do research
prior to purchase will stumble across the website.  Third, I am going to
send everything to regulating bodies in that state along with PETA, and
Petco.
 
So, I have definitely benefitted from the debate and so will the ferrets
that MF deals with.  It might not happen immediately, but I do plan to
take this to the next level and devote quite a bit of time to this cause.
If you don't agree, so be it.  I know what I am doing will benefit the
ferrets and that is what I care about, not MFs profit margin.  In the
long run, people who purchase farm ferrets and the shelters that are
over-crowded with farm ferrets, will also benefit.  Petco is not the
problem per say, they are actually quite naive about MF at the corporate
level, so I also plan to do some serious educating including information
from employees at the store level.  Hopefully, they will reconsider
carrying ferrets.
 
Kudos to those who are helping with this.
[Posted in FML issue 3625]