Dear constant readers & AZ Whiz >It simply never occurred to me that a breeder would require a contract. Yeah, most proper breeders of any sort of pets do - including dogs, cats, and birds. To me, it shows that the breeder *really* cares about that animal and the whereabouts of it, how it is handled, if it is loved, and it helps in genetic tracing. If you place a critter you bred with a person will to sign a contract, then there is a very good chance that contact will be up held. (Not that non-contract ferret owners make bad homes... you all know what I mean ... I hope!) Many shelters also use contracts. In fact, my contract is strickter for the shelter kids than the kids I bred. I only do this because I want to ensure that the adoptive party understands that if that animal (one that usually has already had a rough start on life) is treated well - and how serious I am about it. I have had no problems with my shelter kids - they are all in permanent, loving, and wonderful homes. >My wife and I never acquired a pet from a breeder. They all were bailed >out of pounds or unwanted litters or, in one case, were rescued from a >semi-feral existence if I can be allowed to use that term. There was no >particular reason for this, it just happened that way. Good for you! (I am not being sarcastic here) You should be comended for this ... as I feel this is a very good thing. Not enough people seek and find these oppertunities. >I don't think it would have been too much for someone to point out >politely that Flemming Farms has a restrictive contract. Obviously, >there must be reasons for it since I understand Flemming Farms is a >highly respected breeder. Thank you for the very nice comment. I am sure that both of our tempers were out of control ... and when posts are read, the tone can be taken all wrong ... I personally am sorry if I have misjudged you and your coments... >I won't mention my 20 years of riding and driving horses. They aren't >pets. I used to ride (was a top rider in my state as a kid), drive, train, show, give riding lessons, be a breeding manager at a Morgan farm ... my gelding was my best friend, but he didn't get to jump on my bed like my ferrets do, tho ... Amy Flemming [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] Flemming Farms - Michigan, USA Breeding for Quality Ferrets American, Australian, German, and New Zealand bloodlines Come see us at http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/9521 Weasel Watchers Ferret Rescue - Michigan, USA Helping Needy Weasels Come see us at http://www.geocities.com/petsburgh/zoo/2690 "For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism" [Posted in FML issue 2757]