I am sorry to hear that you recieved emails from someone(or more?) in
reference to getting a pet store ferret.It sounds like you explored the
possible option of a rescue/shelter, but it was not feasable. I didn't
see the other post to know how far away the nearest rescue was to you,
or if a private breeder was in your area.If the pet store is you
only/best option, I say go for it. I wish pet stores didn't sell any
ferrets, dogs or cats,as it does contribute to the mass production of
the animal mills. That being said, I will not judge anyone for their
choice in getting one from a pet store.

IMO, the biggest problem with ferrets in pet stores, is lack of
education. Many ferrets end up in rescues because people get them on
an impulse, without knowing what having ferrets entail. They decide
they are too inconveinient, or the child they got it for gets bored
with it, so it ends up in a shelter.

As a whole, I feel that we, as ferret owners should help educate people
about ferrets, & hopefull help cut down the number of ferrets that
get adopted on an impulse, without knowing what they're getting into.
There are many people here who obtain their ferrets from pet stores.
There are many here (including myself)who obtain ferrets from private
breeders. I have been "judged" for doing that myself, by a few people
who feel thatany/all of us should just be getting ferrets from rescues
or shelters. I have been told that by going out & getting a privatebred
ferret, I am keeping another rescue ferret from getting a home. I have
chosen my private bred ferrets because they comefrom reputable
breeders, who seek to improve the breed. I like the option of having
a late alter ferret. Sue me for wanting to have ferrets that are bred
for better health, betterment of the breed. I also have adopted
rescue/shelter ferrets, & I also have permenant foster ferrets, who
are unadoptable. I am a volunteer with a local ferret rescue. I also
take every advantage possible in educating others about ferrets. So
yea, I do my part in helping shelter ferrets. (But I will not stop
getting private bred ferrets.)

I am sure there are others on here who would support you (or at least
NOT judge you) in your decision. I wanted you to know that you do have
some support in what you are doing.

Good luck with your new baby. I would love to hear how he is doing in
his new home.

Heather http://holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi

[Posted in FML 6237]