I will try to make this message as short as I can, but I feel the need to respond to the various posts about MF ferrets. (Personally, I feel that everyone has missed the point in the previous posts.) In order to make my point clear, I will use an example from dog breeding. Ms. Jones & Ms. Smith both breed dogs. Ms. Jones is what is typically referred to as a "reputable breeder" - she only breeds a litter once every couple of years. She spends weeks and weeks investigating breed lines, trying to find a dog that would complement hers, and checking to make sure there are no hints of genetic problems that might occur in the offspring. When the puppies are born, she makes sure they get all the medical attention they could need - both optional shots and tests as well as the basic ones. She spends so much money assuring their health that she very rarely makes money on a litter - she breeds to improve the breed, and only hopes to break even. And even if she did make a little money on a litter, it quickly disappears in the expenses she incurs rescueing and fostering abandoned dogs. Ms. Smith on the other hand breeds in order to make money. While her pups do get the necessary shots, she doesn't spend the money on the extra tests that Ms. Jones does. Often, she just breeds her female to the male down the street, and she breeds as often as she possibly can. Breeding is a business for her, and unless she makes money at it, she doesn't see much purpose in doing it. Now, the dogs from Ms. Smith are just as wonderful as those from Ms. Jones. Sure, the extra time Ms. Jones puts into researching lines must come into play somewhere, but most of Ms. Smiths' dogs seem perfectly fine. But if I were to buy a dog, I'd go to Ms. Jones. Not because Ms. Smith's are in any way inferior, but just because I prefer to support someone like Ms. Jones. I feel better knowing my money is going to someone who truly breeds because they love the animal, rather than to someone who breeds for the money. The same goes when I go to *purchase* a ferret - I'll rescue any animal that needs it, but if I'm going to support someone monetarily, I'd prefer to support the small-time breeder than the big-business breeder. (Especially since many, if not most, small-time breeders also run shelters, and spend literally thousands of dollars a year on ferrets that were neglected, or abandoned as soon as they got sick - If anyone needs the money, its them). This doesn't mean MF ferrets are bad - I have two, and I love them just as much as my other ferret. But just as I prefer not to buy Exxon gasaline, I prefer to support someone who truly loves ferrets, rather than someone who sees them as a way to make a buck. -Rochelle [Posted in FML issue 1068]