I'm neither a breeder, nor a shelter operator although all three of my ferrets came from rescue situations. I took the first one on knowing absolutely nothing about ferrets because I knew I could do better than his abusive, neglectful owner. I was willing to do the research to take care of him, buy the food and supplies he need, and above all I was willing to give him the love and attention he wasn't getting from Bobby. The other two I took in because I knew there was no other place for them and that I could give them a better life than what they had. To be a private breeder (a reputable one, anyway) you have to feel not only a responsiblity and commitment to your animals, but also a love and fascination for that particular type of animal. Anyone who is willing to take on that kind of commitment to breeding is not going to let an animal be abused, neglected or abandoned just because it didn't come from his stock. Nor should he have to give up an enjoyable and profitable past time to do rescue only. (I'd be willing to be that more breeders become rescuers than vice versa. Just out of curiosity, anyone want to speak up?) My dad's mutt dogs stayed in the same dog houses as his pedigreed dogs and no stray went hungry. charlie [Posted in FML issue 2961]