>From: katharine <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Marshall Farms > >Why do people feel the need to apologize for having MF ferrets? Why do >people let others on the List intimidate them into apologizing? How >incredibly rude!! Owning a MF ferret is nothing to be ashamed of. I agree entirely! Who is apologizing? My first ferret was a MF ferret and was purchased a long time ago (over ten years ago) BEFORE MF ferrets (or any ferrets) were so easily found in pet stores. He lived till age seven (the last year with insulinoma). I believe this was because he came before MF got as big as they are now and were paying closer attention to breeding. He was a very sweet little guy which I attribute to the fact that he got so much attention and love, not his origin. >Don't let troublemakers make you doubt your decision to own a MF ferret. >Don't EVER apologize. It is your personal decision. Some may disagree >with some of their business practices but no one has the right to question >your decision to own a MF ferret. If you've been around the ferret world >for any length of time, you've heard it over and over adnauseum. Make >your own decisions. Amen again! I never questioned Debra's decision to own MF ferrets. You are reading things into this. Debra and I began private email exchanges about food, litter etc...when she first came on the FML. She had inquired about what she had read about MF practices, so we began exchanging information. Debra and I have no squabbles, you are reading too much into this but it sure is nice of you to jump to her defense! Is this your "cause"? >If it weren't for MF, I probably would have never been introduced to the >wonderful world of ferrets. I have bought several in the past. All of >mine now are rescues. I have seven ferrets, and five of them are from MF, >all rescues. I love all of them unconditionally and certainly don't think >they are inferior in any way. They are all as sweet as can be and accept >newcomers without question. I know when I see those tattoos that they >will integrate into my group. I have seen no greater incidence of illness >or disease and many others have said the same thing. Yup! ALL FERRETS DESERVE LOVE AND CARE REGARDLESS OF ORIGIN! However, my experience with MF ferrets in the past five years, has been nothing but health-related problems. 80% of those I have fostered, rescued or added to my group, did not make it past the age of three (mostly two years) due to adrenal cancer and juvenile lymphoma. I have also kept track of friends' ferrets from MF, and they have experienced the same. I can only speak for my experiences and have only spoken for my experiences. Read the archives and you can view what I have tried to do about this. You can also read the archives and see what I have experienced with higher-ups at MF and also what I have seen of shipping at the pet store level. It is not a pretty sight. Also, I don't think that the reason all your ferrets are integrating has anything to do with their breeding origins. I have seen many MF ferrets not able to integrate. Great, and how lucky if that has been your experience. Until you have walked in my shoes with MF, you could not possibly understand. >The people who can't let it go seem to need a cause in their lives. It is this attitude that accomplishes nothing. I am trying to change things FOR the ferrets. I will continue to fight MF over their practices and will continue to NOT buy their products. This is my "cause" in addition to educating newbies, helping shelters etc...People who don't ever try to change the wrong in this world and only complain about it, are a different story. I am making attempts, not just sitting on my arse and griping. What if those who have performed ferret rescues or those who have seen cruelty, just sat back and didn't pursue their "cause" for fear of people accusing them of not having a life and you are one of those who discouraged them? How would you feel then? Your statement above is very offensive to those who are trying to change the world for the betterment of both people and animals. >This happens to be what they have chosen. If their goal is to have people >apologizing for owning their ferrets, they have accomplished that. Who is apologizing for owning ferrets? Nobody should ever have to apologize for owning these wonderful creatures. Again, ALL ferrets deserve love and care. However, if I can make changes to how breeders and farms operate and treat ferrets, what is wrong with that? If I can get others to help my "cause", what is wrong with that? That is how this country works. Charity organizations have sprung from similar intent and so have shelters. In fact, if YOU read the archives about MF, YOU can see some shelter operators have posted similar information about MF. However, I have NEVER seen anyone say that MF ferrets deserve less treatment or love than any other ferrets. That is ridiculous and I would add them to my "cause" if so - LOL. Stop reading things in where you are not aware of what has transpired. Also, a big thanks to Debra Evans for being such a good ferret mommy and all-around nice person! >Let it go. There is tons of stuff in the archives. Read to your >hearts'content and then make your own decision. Yup! Read to your hearts content and make educated decisions. If something does not seem right to you, research it, then make an informed decision. The FML is a place where people share THEIR experiences and can learn from others. By all means, if something occurs to you and you need further information, ask. Don't accuse others of not having a life because you don't agree with their "cause". All of us are diverse and that is what our country is fighting to maintain...our freedom. I am fighting to maintain that all ferrets are treated well from birth to death. If it means lots of time trying to change how farms breed ferrets, then it is worth it to me. [Posted in FML issue 3611]