Hello! I am new to this list, but I can see there is a lot of negative feelings on pet stores. I would first like to say, I am a manager of a pet store, and also owned by my fuzzy buddy - Baby. I have done more than a little reaserch on ferrets, I find them to be fasinating creatures. I do sell ferrets, actually Baby does the selling. He comes to work with me everyday. He has changed a lot of peoples veiws on ferrets. He runs to greet the children, and loves to play with the puppies and kittens (who by the way are also running free). When people come in to purchase a ferret from my store, they must speak directly with myself, if I am not at work, I come in. My customers don't leave until they are informed, about diet, cages, litter pans, litter and all the basics. Most importantly, I don't let a ferret go until I am sure that the potential parents, are able to provide the love, time and above all else patience for their fuzzy pet. I go over biting and tips on training, and behaviour and I am currently working on compiling a little booklet of information - the number of the vet who specializes in ferrets in my area will be included, as well as a backup number. The ferrets I have sold 98% come in for visits. (I also take babies home to begin working on the trust issues with people, and the biting issue. I don't let a ferret leave until I know it's tame, and that way it is easier to adapt in it's new home.) I am always receiving calls from my customers as well as customers from less reputable stores, about their pets. I am becoming known as the ferret girl, lol. People think I'm nuts over ferrets but if you knew Baby, you'd know why. I currently have one that a lady purchased from a store, that they shouldn't have sold to her, she was poorly informed!!! I am not sure he will be going back to her home, he doesn't like children, I am not trying to make myself sound like a saint, I just want to say that some pet stores ARE very different. If you try giving pet stores and workers education on what they don't know, maybe they too would be different. Maybe! A very informed and caring pet store manager @ Baby [Posted in FML issue 3094]