Catherine, just thought I'd take a moment and tell a little more about the
auction situation.  There had also been a cage of three albinos jills.  Two
of them were blind with juvenile cataracts, the kind that is usually
genetic.  They were totally orange, not white.  When they went thru the ring
it was "three times the money" and the price got up high enough to where I
couldn't afford to get them.  I approached the buyer when the bidding was
done to talk to her.  I told her about the cataracts being genetic.  She
mentioned what a pretty color of orange they were!  When I asked her to
please not breed them but to spay, vaccinate and place them as pets instead,
she just looked at me like I was crazy.  I spent about 15-20 minutes trying
to give her a quick education, gave her my card, etc.  I really felt she was
just humoring me.  She also bred several kinds of exotic pets and was in
this for the money, she straight out told me this.  When the bidding started
on the sable jill, she was the only one bidding against me.  I just couldn't
let her get her and ruin another fuzzy life.  But yes, I agree with what you
said.  I work at a vet and have had to learn to harden my heart somewhat in
order to just do my job sometimes.  I know I can't save the world, but at
least I made this one life happy.  I do routinely go to exotic animal
auctions, and if the fuzzies go inexpensive enough, I get them.  When I
don't get them, I try to watch to see who did get them and approach them.  I
never act aggressive or overbearing, as it's been said before, you catch
more flies with honey than vinegar.
 
Thanks for a very informative post, Catherine!
 
BTW, USDA reports are available to the public.
 
Tracy Tunnison
Mid-Michigan Ferrets and Rescue
"Where the Fun Starts!"
GLFA Show Registrar
[Posted in FML issue 1808]