I am sorry to hear that you recieved emails from someone(or more?) in reference to getting a pet store ferret.It sounds like you explored the possible option of a rescue/shelter, but it was not feasable. I didn't see the other post to know how far away the nearest rescue was to you, or if a private breeder was in your area.If the pet store is you only/best option, I say go for it. I wish pet stores didn't sell any ferrets, dogs or cats,as it does contribute to the mass production of the animal mills. That being said, I will not judge anyone for their choice in getting one from a pet store. IMO, the biggest problem with ferrets in pet stores, is lack of education. Many ferrets end up in rescues because people get them on an impulse, without knowing what having ferrets entail. They decide they are too inconveinient, or the child they got it for gets bored with it, so it ends up in a shelter. As a whole, I feel that we, as ferret owners should help educate people about ferrets, & hopefull help cut down the number of ferrets that get adopted on an impulse, without knowing what they're getting into. There are many people here who obtain their ferrets from pet stores. There are many here (including myself)who obtain ferrets from private breeders. I have been "judged" for doing that myself, by a few people who feel thatany/all of us should just be getting ferrets from rescues or shelters. I have been told that by going out & getting a privatebred ferret, I am keeping another rescue ferret from getting a home. I have chosen my private bred ferrets because they comefrom reputable breeders, who seek to improve the breed. I like the option of having a late alter ferret. Sue me for wanting to have ferrets that are bred for better health, betterment of the breed. I also have adopted rescue/shelter ferrets, & I also have permenant foster ferrets, who are unadoptable. I am a volunteer with a local ferret rescue. I also take every advantage possible in educating others about ferrets. So yea, I do my part in helping shelter ferrets. (But I will not stop getting private bred ferrets.) I am sure there are others on here who would support you (or at least NOT judge you) in your decision. I wanted you to know that you do have some support in what you are doing. Good luck with your new baby. I would love to hear how he is doing in his new home. Heather http://holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi [Posted in FML 6237]