Paula,

The rationale behind the upset of Petco having a ferret sale is that
putting any animal "on sale" increases the chances that the animal
will be bought as an impulse buy--without the proper forethought and
research -- which then increases the chances that the home is not
ready/equipped/a good fit - which then increases the chances that the
ferret will be (best case scenario) turned into one of our severely
overburdened and overcrowded shelters or (worst case scenarios)
abused/neglected because the family doesn't understand this beloved
animal we call ferret, or abandoned to fend for itself (which since the
ferrets that we keep as pets have been domesticated for over 2000 years
and are unable to recognize natural predators, food,etc--is pretty much
guaranteeing their death)

You are correct in saying that this happens anyway and is a constant
battle that shelters and educators fight. A sale is almost a guarantee
that it is going to happen. But, "every journey starts with a single
step"

If you would like a first hand look at why a ferret sale at Petco
is such a big deal, donate a day of your time at your local ferret
shelter. Scoop some poop, feed some soup to some oldies--but most
importantly--take some time and have the shelter mom tell you some
of the stories of the babies that live there.

You don't mention what state you live in, but if you are in MA--we
would love to have you come visit our shelter and meet our babies.

Take care,
Michele Paulhus
Asst Director
South Shore Ferret Care, MA

-- 
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do
nothing." ~Edmund Burke~

[Posted in FML 6809]