Over the last 3 years, I've seen lots of discussions about Marshall Farms, Path Valley, and other commercial breeders and the atrocities associated with them. And as always, there are a variety of ideas people have about how to stop them. People call for the boycotts, some of which happen for some people, and others talk about how they have to buy the babies to save them. I think it's prudent for anyone who knows of how these businesses are run to boycott buying the ferrets and products. But let's face it. The FML only represents a small percentage of the people who buy ferrets. As an individual who works alot of educational events, I talk to many more people who are ferret owners who don't have contact with what we think of as the educated ferret community. These people don't know of any place to get a ferret but the pet stores they see them at. Pet stores provide the novice ferret purchaser, and the impulse buyer. Do I think this means we should just give up? No way. As Lisette says, don't buy from them, because it's the right thing to do. And for Dawn, who states that she will always buy them, because the babies there deserve a home, I point out this fact. Every time you buy one, more money to support the efforts of those businesses is made, and another kit takes it's place. You really aren't saving anything, except one animal, and putting another in it's place. It seems heartless, but I'd rather sacrifice those in the stores now, than perpetuating the whole system. But what we really need to do as a ferret community is to get out there and EDUCATE the public. Our club choses local community events to go to such as festivals and fairs. We get as many members as we can to bring one or two of their ferrets, and walk around. It's sometimes hard to move 5 feet without being stopped 10 times. People are curious and want to know. We have business cards of our local club, shelter and local breeders. Even if people aren't interested in getting a ferret at this time, when a time comes that they may be, they are aware that our organization and others like us exsist. We now regularly get calls for rescues and kits from private breeders that breed in humane and loving ways. We also make sure new owners have information they need to happily integrate ferrets into a new home. Even people who bought their first ferrets through pet stores learn there's a better way and help our cause if possible. It's a solution that will take time, but it's the best way I can see to help the plight of those ferrets from commercial breeders in time. Most people on this list already are aware of these conditions. Help us get it out to the general public at large! That said, here's our latest educational event. Heart of Ohio Ferret Association is planning a day at the Renaissance Fair in Waynesville, Ohio, on October 1st. We will be taking ferrets that we are sure are good with the public, current on vaccinations. If you are anywhere in the area and interested, contact me, and I'll give you the details. Sherry and her Merry Mob [Posted in FML issue 3184]