I didn't see anything (except the following) worth responding to, as the
negative comments simply reinforced what I had stated.
 
>I don't know about you, but I buy a great deal of my pet products from pet
>stores.
 
I have made a decision not to purchase supplies/products from *pet* stores,
as doing so lets them know that you or I approve of them selling animals.
Or, that we do not disapprove that they sell spayed/neutered, (hopefully
at least) 6 week old ferret babies that should still be with their moms.
 
Prior to opening my business and continuing today for cat/dog supplies,
I purchase products from the many, many pet *supply* stores that do not
sell/exploit animals.  They too are available in your town.  Perhaps
they're not on every corner like Petco, but these smaller stores too have
ferret supplies.  The smaller stores will even actually order items for you
if they don't carry something.  The smaller stores are much more customer
oriented than the large corporate controlled chains.  They don't have the
big advertising budget that Petco has, but you will often see one or two
dogs/cats and sometimes ferrets or rabbits from local animal shelters in
their stores.  They help the shelter animals....they don't compete with
them by selling their own baby animals.
 
I currently have over 140 rabbits, rodents & ferrets in my shelter and
another 12 in foster care.  All were discarded and all are looking for
homes.  The vast majority were discarded by someone who had a credit card
in their pocket and a pet store in their neighborhood.  It's your choice
whether or not to support Petco or other stores selling ferrets and other
animals.
 
Sandi
Best Little Rabbit, Rodent and Ferret House
Seattle, WA
[Posted in FML issue 2676]