Regarding your post in defense of pet stores using pine shavings, the defense of not being able to launder is used widespread... what you should know and tell your employers is that - INSTEAD of pine shavings they could and SHOULD use Aspen shavings or chips. This wood product has far less dust and lower mold and mildew problems because of it. This is what any customers should also be instructed to use -- IF they are hard headed enough to feel shavings are at all necessary. Thanks for the opportunity to bring out this alternative! Alicia a shelter Mom [Posted in FML issue 2051]