In reply to Todd Leuthold's post on the FML to me: I want this bashing of my character to stop. I did not say that everyone purchased their ferrets from pet stores. I said that a lot or perhaps most people have. In the area where I purchased my Slinky that is about the only way to get one, because there simply are not private breeders around there. As I have stated many times, I speak from my own experiences, not for anyone else. The only point I was trying to make is that it's unfair for anyone to put all pet stores in a bad light, because there are some very good ones out there. I guess you missed that point, but that is ok. We all make mistakes. Please let's move past this. Everyone needs to practice the love and tolerance they preached to me before. I think my post was very kind and I have apologized for not wording things better. I also took the time to explain a little of where some of my feelings came from for those who misunderstood me. Now it's time to move beyond it as the subject matter is getting rather tiresome. Some have quoted things which I never even stated and that is really getting old. Please don't mention me on the FML anymore. Enough is enough. Take care. Blossom P.S. I agree that taking in rescues is a great thing to do. I would gladly take in rescues if I could find any in my area, but they are hard to find. In the state where I got my Slinky from there aren't any ferret shelters around, so the only way a ferret person can adopt a ferret is to get them from a pet store unless they find one through the newspaper or some other means. That was the main point. Believe me, if there was a shelter I would be at it right now adopting a couple of ferrets. I have gotten many animals from shelters in the past and have also taken in some wild animals which needed care for various reasons, so I know where you're coming from. But my point is that not every state has a ferret shelter. Many only take in dogs and cats, so that leaves people with few options if they want a ferret. The main point I was trying to make in my post last week was that there are some decent pet shops around, because I've seen a lot of them being bashed on this forum. But as for having a preferance for pet shops over shelters, believe me I don't. :) I hope you better understand my message now. Take care. [Posted in FML issue 3957]