>This is why I rarely adopt to anyone in their teens or early 20's.  Not
>that they are bad people, but because this is a stage in their lives
>when things are quite dynamic and uncertain.
 
I have to agree with Trish that when I read this it, I thought it was
very narrow minded as well.  My husband and I are also in our 20's.
My husband has a steady job in the Navy, not that this makes our life
"stable" as we are required to move around every 3 years.  I have been
working on getting into vet school since I lost my job following 9-11,
having not found a new job due to the lack of opportunities in vet
medicine in our area.
 
I have 3 ferrets whom are highly cared for.  They have traveled across
the country with us when we went on vacation, my oldest traveled across
the country (literally) when we got transferred.  He also got a special
trip across the state of NY for adrenal surgery by a highly recommended
vet.  I also have a 7 month old border collie mix puppy.  He will move
everywhere with me as well.  My husband and I have figured everything
out regarding our critters if I get into vet school...which will NOT be
anywhere close to where my husband would be with the navy.  They will of
course be staying in our family.
 
I will admit that there are plenty of people in their 20's that don't
have the responsibility to own any animal let alone a ferret.  However,
there are just as many "older" people in the same boat.  Everyone should
be considered on a somewhat even basis.
 
However, being "young" and in the military; I can promise you that that
rarely happens.  Unfortunately, it is because of some people that ruin
it for everyone else.  Very few animal shelters will let a person in the
military adopt an animal because they believe that you will just return
it when you get transferred.  My husband and I were able to adopt our dog
thanks to the fact that I worked with a vet that they had working for
them and she recommended me.
 
As for Valerie, she didn't take her ferrets to a shelter, she found a
loving home for them because she was expecting to join the military and
as a single person in the military, it is difficult to take care of your
animals.  I applaud her for finding them a home instead of having someone
else do it for her (a shelter).  Unfortunately, life didn't turn out the
way she expected.  She asked for opinions on what she should do regarding
her fuzzies.  However, in the end it comes down to what she decides to do
and what the family that took in her ferrets decides.
 
Just my two cents
Stephanie G.
3 fuzzies and a ferret herding puppy
[Posted in FML issue 4074]