To: [log in to unmask]
 From: Paula Webb <[log in to unmask]>
 Subject: Re:  PETCO
 
Moxie,
I read your post today about sending letters to the v.p. of PETCO about
the stores themselves and that they should stop selling ferrets.  I have
purchased two of my three ferrets from PETCO in Peabody, MA.  They are
great pets and we love them.  The conditions at this particular store are
wonderful and the woman, Paulette, who takes care of the exotics is very
knowledgeable and cares very well for the animals.  I have no complaint
about the two PETCO's in my area.
 
The next point I want to make is that I would have loved to give a home
to an older ferret or two or three, but when I honestly told the shelter
owners that I had a 18 month old child they all but hung up on my.  I tried
a couple in my area and got the same response to my request.  I tried to
explain that my son has had a guinea pig since he was a year old and is
very gentle with him and also hand feeds him.  I had also been bringing my
son into the local PETCO stores to expose him to the ferrets and to let him
play with them.  He was intrigued by them and found them funny.  He did not
get to play with them too much, but I knew with supervision and training on
both sides a ferret would be a great pet for my son.  He would really like
a dog but unfortunately where we live we are not allowed to have dogs.  The
ferrets make him very happy and they all love to play together.  Not to
mention that the ferrets are happy and love their home which I might add
they have free run of.
 
I feel that the shelter owners should look at each situation differently.
The owner should come to the home see for themselves what the home and the
child are like before so adimantely ruling out the chance for adoption.
You never know what you are passing up for a lucky ferret who might need
that kind of home and that kind of activity.  My animals seem to thrive on
the hustle and bustle that goes on in my apartment and isn't that what the
ferret likes?  To play and jump and attack and hide things.  Well all that
safely goes on in my home with my Marshall Farms PETCO bought ferrets.
 
I am sending the v.p. of PETCO a copy of this as well as yourself and the
FML.  I have very strong feelings about this situation and your attack on
this particular store chain.  I realize that all stores are different and
if animals are being treated badly then the store should definitely be
reported.
 
Maybe you could work out a deal with them where they don't buy ferrets for
a week or two and you bring your ferrets in to show off and have people
fill out applications for adoption.  But the only way for this to work is
to keep an open mind and look at every situation as and individual
situation.  Give everyone an equal chance and let your instincts show you
the way.  If PETCO is not willing to do this type of thing then try other
pet stores.  I know PetSmart in our area have adoption days and PETCO does
for that matter also.  It would also be beneficial for you because people
like me are always willing to make a donation.  You could help raise some
money for your shelter(s).
 
I do not want you to think I am attacking just you (and I am upset) but all
shelter owners.  These little fuzzie creatures are quite resilient and can
handle themselves when necessary.  Stop babying the ones who can handle a
2 or 4 or 5 year old and play with them like a little friend would.  It is
so rewarding to see my two older ferrets play with my son and as for the
princess well she will play when she feels like it.
[Posted in FML issue 2617]