See comments within original text. Dr. Mike >Nothing has been mentioned about the efforts of the many concerned >'fert people' to stop the "trial" stocking of kits by PETSMART in a >'few' stores. Is this discussion about the age, care, vaccines,etc., >at PETSMART mean that the 'trial' period has ended, and kits will be >an "available" product from now on?? * We are still in Pilot stage and will be so for quite a while. >If so, I really expected a bit more of a "reality check" by Petsmart >over the "one more place to buy a ferret" deal! If not, then I look >forward to the decision by Petsmart, whether pro or con. * If we decide to continue and expand, it will be done so on a very informed and responsible basis so that we will not be "one more place to buy a ferret". We want to change the way in which ferrets are bred, raised, shipped and sold in retail stores. I believe that we have already begun to do so while only being in pilot stage. >I commend the efforts of the members here, and Dr. Mike, over the >removal of 'bad' treats & food from the shelves,...THAT`S been a >long-needed task! I still am very concerned over the number of unwanted >ferrets in shelters & rescues, and the POSSIBLE addition of another >place to purchase so-called disposable pets. I hope this has not been >swept under the carpet. But it seems that by Dr. Mike discussing the >ages and habitat at their stores here on the fml, the decision has >already been made. I hope this is not the case. [Posted in FML issue 4882]