Though you had good intentions, I believe you gave advice on a situation
that you did not know all the details on.  I'm not sure what information you
based your opinion on--whether it was just this last post or whether you saw
the original posts.  This pet store has a history of being abusive to
ferrets, and seeing that I witnessed one screaming right before my eyes
while a clerk bent its arm back for nipping him, I think your idea of
encouraging further ferret interest by this store a bit naive.  Abuse
doesn't just magically go away because of well wishing visits by ferret
specialists.  This owner should NEVER sell ferrets again, nor should any
store with its track record.  I think most people concerned about ferrets
would agree with my position once they knew all the facts and would not
entertain the idea of encouraging a store known for its abuse to try selling
ferrets again, just for the sake of promoting ferrets.
 
The owner used the excuse that they were too wild because he mistreated
them, not because they are too wild.  He was just trying to get himself off
the hook.
 
But beyond just this case, I completely disagree with your stance on the
promotion of ferrets.  I personally don't think promotion is that important
to begin with, and certainly not at the risk of mistreatment of ferrets.  I
think the treatment of ferrets should be the top priority of all of us.
Whether or not they are a popular pet--I don't really care.
 
J. Christen  .  Jenkon International, Inc.  .  http:\\www.jenkon.com  .
360-256-4400x2537
[Posted in FML issue 1843]