This is part of a message I sent to the FML on May 3, 2005:

>We are pleased to report that as a result of discussions with Steve
>Yarborough of The Ferret Depot during the 2005 International Ferret
>Symposium, they have agreed to start removing some of the "less than
>ideal" ferret products from their shelves, including foods and treats
>that contain dried fruit and/or high sugar content.
>
>Some products will be removed immediately, some over the next few
>weeks. They recently printed a catalog that has these products listed,
>but they will be removed from the web site, and sales staff instructed
>on educating the customer about the detrimental effects of these
>products if they ask about them. Future flyers and catalogs will not
>have them listed.

I first met Steve at the Symposium in St. Louis, and when we discussed
the issue of ferret foods and treats, he immediately agreed to remove
them from their offerings. No concerns about selling through what they
had in inventory, no worries about owners going to the competition,
just wanting to do what is best for ferrets and ferret owners.

Those concerns continued to be foremost in his mind as he ran his
business, more than earning him his Special Achievement Award in 2011.
He was amazingly committed and generous to the ferret community, and
I am saddened by his passing.

Thank you Steve.

Linda Iroff
former director, International Ferret Congress

[Posted in FML 8152]