Hi, For a little comfort, there are a few of us that work in petstores. I have to agree about some things. I got scolded for playing with the pets too much. But, we do allow customers to handle the ferrets. I still do when I close the store play with them. There are alot of people who should never own a pet including a beta fish. One thing that may get me into trouble but hasn't yet. I don't have a problem telling people that a ferret would not be a good pet for you. But, I will do that for any pet. Believe me. I have heard some of the most craziest things. A couple days ago, someone left a lab puppy outside the door. Puppy was not even 4 months old. Get mad no. At least they did not keep it and then abuse or neglect it. I have five ferts. I do know my limit and have called the shelter that deal with to take one there. Funny, it had only been bought 3 weeks before. Most of the time if someone has a question about the ferrets they will tell the person to call back when I am at work. Educating people is another story. I always tell people to get a book or online about the pet they are inquiring about. I can't tell you how frustrating it is when people will not read. They want you to answer questions that they have. On occasion I will not answer certain question without asking them if they have read anything about what they are inquiring about. Not all employees of petstores like animals. There are some that are scared of furry animals. Some get over their fears, some don't. One girl did an interview and admitted she didn't like to hold her dog for a period of time. I guess they figure it will balance with the other employees. All this to say, there are a small percentage of us that care sometimes too much. But, I have noticed the pets that are sold when I am not there have a high percentage of problems and sometimes end up coming back. 4 days ago someone sold a pregnant guinea pig. Something I have always stressed not to do. Well, the animal and babies died. I use to go to the store on my days off. I have tried to stop. I go when my babies (ferrets) are sleep, but I also like to hold and talk to my ferts when they are sleep. That's probably why they are spoiled rotten. I often wonder if I could be handicapping them with too much love. If something happen to me. Will they be able to cope. I worry about their welfare everyday. Thank you for listening, Dooks, NeeJa and the MOD's (Masters of Disaster) [Posted in FML issue 3475]