Hi everyone!  Just a quick update on our local Petco here.
 
I stopped in to pick up fuzz butts' food and some litter (and yes, this
is the only place I can get it) yesterday with my 10 year old son.  He
immediately dashed to the fuzzie pen (his favorite "wishing" spot -
wishing mommy will let him have just "one" more...) and became upset.  I
followed the trail of his "MAY I SEE A MANAGER" voice...(yes, he really
said that!) - and found him in front of the pen looking highly agitated.
I asked him what was wrong, and why the H*** he was screaming at the top
of his 10 year old lungs, for a manager.  He looked me dead in the eye
and said: If you can't see it, then YOU shouldn't have ferrets!!"  After
resisting the urge to knock the smug little smirk off his face, I turned
to see what was bothering him.  In the fert pen were 5 fuzzles.  One
Albino, 3 sable and 1 silver mitt.  Usually, there pen is the cleanest I
have ever seen, however today - it was LOADED w/ferret "presents".  Flies
were everywhere and these little guys were setting up a "stink" that
could kill a buzzard.  An employee (who was probably glad he wasn't the
manager) - came over and we pointed out the dilema in a very kind way.  I
asked him if we could "see" one of the fuzzles.  I reached in for the
little albino, but one of the little sable gals had other ideas....she
LEAPT up onto my arm and began her "upward" journey.  Up my arm, to the
shoulder, and went behind my neck.  She stood up w/her paws on my head -
declaring to all, that I was hers.  It was so cute!  Anyways - when the
employee opened the cage I said: Oh man - check out THAT fert - he has
"presents" all over him, ewwwwww - (no, the fuzzie wasn't truthfully
dirt...I lied a little...)hey - do you think you can clean the cage out
while it is open?
 
He stood there and looked at me w/no response.  I waggled my fingers in
front of his eyes and said it again.......*drugs took this kids' brain
folks** - he kinda looked thru me and said - uh, I can't leave the ferret
cage open.  I assured this poor little brain dead moron, that I would
"guard them w/my life".  Meanwhile, the 10 year old is saying, rather
loudly, is he just dumb, or is he really that ignorant?  Ok, so he is a
bit precotious for his age.....after a little "turning of the kids
shoulders" - and a gentle PUSH towards the ferret cleaning stuff - he
finally got the message.  Well, long story short - he didn't do it
properly - but he did manage to get the "piles" out of it.  I, being the
contientious person I am -was respectful - and thanked him.  We left for
home.  Upon arriving home, the phone immediately jumps into my 10 year
olds hands.  He calls the store - gets the manager on the phone and says:
Usually the ferret pen is clean.  Can you (I swear I was in the other
room and didn't hear him say this!) - find someone with enough brain
power to clean that cage, or would you prefer we dump it on your car....?
My oldest son advised me of this conversation - and I went and grabbed
the phone.  The manager was extremely nice, and very upset that not only
was the cage dirty - it took a TEN YEAR OLD to point that out to his
employees.  He assured me that he would personally go and clean the cage
and that the employee would be talked to.
 
Had the hubby drive to the store about 15 minutes later, and there stood
the manager, cleaning, sanitizing, etc.  So to whoever said that
"children are meant to be seen, and not heard" - I say:
pppppppppptttttttttt!!!  One 10 year old made a difference!
 
Happy hoppin to all!
 
Kimberly Gorman
[Posted in FML issue 3868]