Sandi,
 
As a matter of courtesy I always send a copy to the person I am responding
too before I send it to the FML.
 
What you claim is surely possible and I am in no position to question it.
However this situation is different in many ways.  First, we don't even
come close to competing with the visibility of a local animal shelter.
Second, we could never offer PETCO any advertising or persuade public
opinion at a level that would equal the amount of money and advertising
support they are providing for this event.  Third, they are getting nothing
from us except for being associated with the show.  Fourth, public opinion
about ferrets in general is not that enthusiastic.  Certainly not enough to
warrant sponsoring a show.  Maybe that s one reason they are the only pet
store chain to sponsor a ferret show.  For all I know it could be their
last.
 
A couple of things I do know, is that Tristate Ferret Connection (TSFC) and
Heart of Ohio Ferret Association (HOFA) as with most clubs, are spending
whatever resources they have to support shelters and promote ferret
awareness, care and responsible pet ownership.  This show is their primary
fund-raiser.  The math is simple, the more money they make the more they
are able to accomplish.  PETCO's name is only visible on anything having to
do with the show.  It is not associated with any other materials the clubs
use or provide during the rest of the year.  There would be no way this
show could move to level it's about to become without the support PETCO is
providing.  People know PETCO they have no idea who TSFC or HOFA is or what
they even do.  How many times do you here this?  "A ferret show?".  Maybe
people will understand that there is more to their pet then keeping it in
some cage or aquarium.  Not to mention that there are groups/clubs out
there that can help answer questions and offer information about their
animal, when all they had before was the input of some uneducated sales
clerk.  You insinuate that groups take PETCO's money and do nothing but
boost PETCO's reputation.  This show is now and always will be about
ferrets, ferret education, care and responsible ownership.
 
We're not supporting PETCO and they didn't have to support us.  But the
fact of the matter is, they did and they did when no one else would.  Does
that make them better?  I don't know!  But this small step may be an eye
opener to other big corporations who have the funds to support the little
guy/gals like TSFC and HOFA who are doing so much.
 
>Their plan has been a huge success thanks to many people who take petco's
>money.
 
These clubs should be insulted by that comment, especially if they were to
assume that they in some way are sell-outs.  How are they benefiting?  They
are nonprofit and all volunteer.  They get their name out and make some
money to help promote ferret awareness.  Please fill me in if I'm missing
something.  I hope we are all fighting for the same cause.  Maybe!  Just
maybe!  We will be able to enlighten PETCO a little bit.  If we can't stop
them from selling ferrets, then maybe we can work closely with them to
educate perspective buyers.
 
I have been contacted by a very nice lady in Issaquah, Washington who has
filled me in on the troubles and less than acceptable conditions at PETCO
stores in her area.
 
The three PETCO stores here in Ohio are all located in Columbus and have
only been open for a little more than a year.  HOFA was present at all
three grand openings and has provided several ferret related activities and
events since that time.  All the managers have been excellent to work with
and very receptive of any suggestions according to Scarlett Gray the club
president.
 
The people I have talked with in California are very much aware that they
have a negative reputation in the ferret community and would like to
correct it.  However many of those letters they received were not rational
and made the organized ferret community seem like a bunch of fanatics and
nuts.  They told me that it was apparent to them that someone had organized
a hate letter campaign against them.  They had received letters from all
over the country about one particular PETCO selling 3-4 week old kits.
They found it hard to believe that all these people went to this particular
PETCO and witnessed this for themselves.  The management at PETCO corporate
insisted that their management and personnel in their distribution centers
would have definitely known the difference and would have never let this
happen.  In fact they would have contacted corporate and the breeder
immediately.  I know for a fact that the regional managers have a lot of
power and flexibility.  After PETCO corporate received all those nasty
letters their interest in the show went very cold and sent us to Lance
Schwimmer (the regional manager) who is really the reason things are going
so well.
 
I have been dreading this kind of response since PETCO made the decision to
sponsor us.  Also that people would think that if they attended this event
they would be is some way supporting PETCO.  Not true!.  They would be
supporting two great clubs doing a great deal for ferrets and the ferret
community.
 
If I have misinterpreted your post then please except my apology.
 
Jerry Jackowski
Show Coordinator
Ferret Extravaganza '99
http://www.angelfire
[Posted in FML issue 2672]