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Subject:
From:
Roger Vaughn <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 17 Aug 2002 11:18:22 -0400
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>Yes, me, too, usually.  When there is a true emergency that is
>really strapping the folks I can understand a nominal cost to make
>sure that someone who will abuse the animals or feed them to snakes
>will NOT wind up with them.
 
I'm sorry, but I just can't be upset about people selling their ferrets.
Why?  Because it provides a good "barrier to entry".  It helps separate
the people who really care and really want to make a commitment from
those who just want to pick up a cute disposable pet.
 
Look at the cost.  Most are sold for around $100-150.  This is hardly
recovering the cost of the ferret, including the pet store purchase, the
cage and toys, the upkeep and vet bills, etc.  On the other hand, it's
not exactly cheap.  Most of us are not going to whip out our wallets and
hand over $150 without some thought.
 
The purchase price makes people think about what they are doing.  It puts
some value on the ferret's life, making it more of an investment, more of
a commitment, and less of an impulse purchase.
 
Think of the chaos that would ensue if people DID give away their ferrets
and paid for the expenses afterwards.  Well, then any old Dick or Jane
could pick up a ferret.  How are you to know whether or not they are
committed?  How are you to know whether or not they will provide a good
home?  They are making zero financial investment in their pet, how can
you be sure they will make the emotional investment?
 
On the other hand, when someone is required to lay down good cash to make
the purchase, and know that they will be responsible for future upkeep,
well, then they're much more likely to carefully consider what they are
getting themselves into.
 
I do like the idea of "ferret support payments", but unfortunately it
just doesn't fly in the real world.  Perhaps if you asked someone to
purchase your ferret, then after a few months and after determining that
they ARE providing a good home you refund the purchase and start the
payments, then that would be the best of both worlds.
 
Unfortunately I don't believe that most people who do not have enough
commitment to keep their pets in the first place will be committed enough
to do this, either.
 
roger and the six sneaker snatchers
missing bear
[Posted in FML issue 3878]

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