Regarding the recent debate over Totally Ferret's prices; I think we need to be sure that we are comparing apples to apples here. For *any* kind of pet food that I have seen, price varies greatly with quantity purchased. Yes, for those like mysef with "only" two fuzzies, storage can be a problem, but that's what tupperware, refrigerators, and, in the winter, unheated storage spaces were made for. The point being that around here, the last 20-lb. bag of Totally Ferret was around $31.75, or a little more than $1.50/lb. A 7-lb carton of Marshall's ran something like $19.95, closer to $3/lb. And a 3-lb. or so bag of Kay-Tee was around $8.00. So no, I don't think TF is overpriced. And I have to check this, but I think they use natural preservatives, as opposed to "no preservatives at all", which I think was a source of concern. I also consider other factors when choosing food. First, is it good for my ferret? I think TF is one of the best. Second, do I want to support these people? This is one of the biggest reasons I will be phasing out Marshall's; I do not approve of their practices, and I also worry about buyinganyone who doesn't see the effects of diet in old age. Also, I've heard rumors about them being cited again for violations; I have not posted on that because I haven't been able to confirm them and whatever I think of their practices, that is unfair, so I repeat: these are only rumors! If anyone can confirm them, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Yes, Marshall's has done a lot to increase public awareness of ferrets, and yes, I'm sure they put a lot into research, etc, but no, I still do not condone their practices. (And yes, one of my ferrets is a store-bought MF sprite, and she is the love of my life). But I digress. Third, do these people support us? Iam's is a great food and I have nothing against using it as ferret food, but for myself, I'd rather spend the money on 8-in-1, TF, Kay-Tee (though I think the first two are better), etc., because they have spent the money and effort to put out a product for ferrets. I'm not delusional, businesses exist to make money, and new products are usually not introduced out of altruism, but by that very argument, it behooves me to support quality ferret products so they do not disappear. Okay, this is way longer than I intended, so finally, you've heard it before and you're going to hear it again - anyone who can afford it, support those shelters - Dayna, Chere, Kelleen, even the ones you may not have heard mentioned in relation to financial problems - some people can afford it better than others, but sheltering is one of the few businesses that does *not* exist to make money. #include <std/disclaimer.h> flames directed to /dev/null, YMMV, my employer doesn't know or care, yada, yada, yada... Ed Atlee [log in to unmask] starring, Ed, Kim, FLO Agents Goose and Anastasia, special guest star Maggie the Lab [Posted in FML issue 1587]