I haven't been on this list for long, but I have noticed a distinct pattern
developing.  There seem to be a contingent out there who deem anyone who
has to actually leave the home and work for a living, go to school, or have
a life in general UNFIT for ferret ownership.
 
I grew especially agitated upon reading this latest volley of mails as
related to Karen.
 
There are plenty of us out there in Karen's situation -- working hard,
providing the very best we can for our creatures, but perhaps sometimes
coming up short in the finance department.  Does that mean we shouldn't
have our animals?
 
I don't know about y'all, but if I had to sell this stinking computer to
pay for an adrenal surgery or what not, I would do it, and I wouldn't think
anything of it.  I would do what it took to compensate for the lack of a
huge savings account, an IRA, stock, or a spouse with a $100K a year job.
 
Not all of us live in the lap of luxury.  Most parents of human children
don't, either.  I don't see the child protective services coming out to
confiscate kids just because a parent can't buy them Nike shoes and instead
have to settle for Wal Mart.  Lack of resources does not always spell lack
of ingenuity or ability to more than adequately care for creatures.
 
Those who believe so need to extract the silver foot from their mouths and
join the ranks of the REAL WORLD.  Stop being a bunch of elitist ferret
snobs, people.  Ferrets aren't just for the wealthy, anymore than cats and
dogs are.  Frankly, what those of you in a higher tax bracket consider
ferret "necessities" probably seems frivolous to those of us who struggling
to stay in the black each month.
 
And if you think my seven ferrets are unhappy, poorly cared for or
unhealthy, I defy you to come visit Weezalworld and see for yourself what
fat, silly goofy creatures are romping around my leased house on the poor
side of town.
 
Leave Karen alone.  She's doing her very best, and I'm sure she's adult
enough to make the call as to if and when she should find new homes for
some of her babies.  Broke does NOT equal stupid, uneducated, or
misinformed.
 
MJ Garcia
[Posted in FML issue 2776]