when i posted about the sign on the aquarium full of puppies i didn't mean for it to come across that i thought it was absurd that we couldn't handle the animals. i meant that some of us go into the pet stores not planning on purchasing the animals until after we've held them. how many of you have gone into the pet store just to purchase some litter and then hold a ferret, feel sorry for it then come home with it? i know it's happened. i won't argue with anyone because i do agree that animals in pet stores can be traumatized by all thatz going on. BUT...this pet store in an exception. very rarely are people in it...and now i realize why. the employee (there's usually only one and the manager) sits on a stool in the front. i've never seen them handle the animals or even offer to let anyone handle them. but in any case my point in posting had absolutely nothing to do with the sign!!! i would like you to look past that sign and pay attention to what i told you i saw in the cages! holly [Posted in FML issue 2848]