The question was asked, "Why does Petsmart feel as though they have to sell ferrets??" I know others will probably respond to this, but I wanted to add my feelings on this. Personally, I believe one of the biggest reasons Petsmart has started to sell ferrets is, as with all retail stores - regardless of what they sell - money! A person who knows nothing about ferrets decides they want to get a ferret - they know nothing of shelters or private breeders so they turn to their local pet store. They buy the ferret and return there week after week after week purchasing food and supplies for this ferret. Even though there may be others stores in town that sell ferret supplies, they return to this one to purchase their goods - it's called customer loyalty. The competing store may have some great specials on ferrets items - but still, the person returns to the store they bought the ferret at for all their supplies. I have my favorite grocery store. From time to time, I see the competitors advertising items at a little lower price that what my store has them, but....I love my grocery store. I know all the people, I know where everything is, and the competitor is 10 minutes across town. It's just worth the extra cents to me to shop where I shop. Call it comfort level or habit...whatever - it's where I WANT to shop. But still - the competing grocery store tries all kinds of tricks to get my business. They want me to spend my money in their store! Same with pet stores - they want our money! They know many people return to the store where the ferret was purchased to buy their supplies. In order to remain competitive, it was a logical decision for Petsmart to start to selling ferrets. Mind you...I wish they weren't! I don't think any animal should be sold in a store - but I also believe everyone should be required to take parenting classes - and PASS THEM WITH AN "A" before being allowed to have a child! Since neither of these things will ever happen, then we need to do what we can to make sure the ferrets being sold in pet stores are handled properly! Dr. Mike has provided us with a unique opportunity! If Petsmart does this right and more people start to shop at their stores - their competitors will have to sit up and take notice! It's going to be a slow process, but maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference! Something else to consider - there are lots and lots of people out there who buy ferrets in pet stores because they don't know where else to get them. I admit it...I bought by first two boys at a pet store. Then my love for them led me to the Internet...and to the FML...to do doing what I do now! I am one of the lucky ones who was educated!!!! So, while I don't condone the sale of ferrets in pet stores, I have accepted the fact that it is not something I will be able to stop. I will spend my time and energy trying to change the way they are shipped, housed, fed and handled! One last thing about customer loyalty - The Ferret Store just lost me as a customer. They have decided that removing sugary, high carb treats from their catalog is not in the best interest of their business at this time. I prefer to spend my money on healthy, wholesome treats for my ferrets and will support stores that have joined in the efforts to get this garbage off their shelves. I have been a loyal customer on TFS for 6 years...that ends today....and I will be writing them to tell them why they lost my business! I encourage others to do the same! There are other Internet options out there, as well as more and more retail options....and I intend to use them! Judy Coke Tyson, Hope and Einstein (pet store, rescue, pet store) Co-Director International Ferret Congress Support Our Shelters [Posted in FML issue 4884]