Help!
 
I frequently go to the local pet store just to look at the ferrets.
There's one there that I've thought was adorable since she was a kit, a
beautiful marked white.  The problem, also since she was a kit I noticed
there was something wrong with her eye.  I pointed it out when she was
little and they said they'd keep an eye on it.  Well she's grown now and
her eye is still messed up (crusted almost shut), and with 12 other adult
ferrets and 8 adorable babies I don't see much hope of anyone purchasing
her anytime soon.
 
I asked would they take her to a vet and they said if it didn't go away
they might.  Go away!, it's been like that for at least 2 months!  Then I
asked if they would sell her to me for half of the price of the 'healthy
babies" which are $129.95.  They said they could go as low as $89.95.
Now it's not really the price I'm debating over, I'd pay the full price,
(although I don't think it's a good way for a pet store to push it's
adult ferret stock).  It's just that I have this dilemna.  I don't like
supporting a pet store that can't sell their ferrets so just orders more
babies to cash in on the cuteness factor.  I feel like if I buy a ferret
from them they'll just think, "well someone will always buy the ferrets,
let's order more".  Also we have a local shelter with sweet adoptable
ferrets.  It would make so much more sense for me to support the shelter
if I just HAD to have another ferret, rather than support this store.
 
My husband says he can't stop me, but he really thinks 4 ferrets are
enough.  He points out that you can't save them all, and that it has to
stop somewhere.  He doesn't want us to turn into collectors.  My brain
says these are very good points but my heart isn't listening!
 
Does anyone have any advice?
 
Leigh and Fargo, Fonzi, Kami, and Moon Boy
[Posted in FML issue 2548]