[Susan9608]

Hey guys. I am definitely a pro-adoption person ... I wasn't trying to suggest that people should purchase animals from pet stores because it's easier or more convenient. My point was that in my area, at least, adopting is so difficult and costly, that I can understand (even if I don't agree) why people choose pet stores. I'm glad to hear that adoptions are not so difficult in other areas - I think that's the way it should be. And I think that the shelters you all mentioned that have low adoption fees and such should be held as an example to other shelters, like the ones in my area.

Also, I agree that screening of prospective adopters is necessary and important; however, the adoption rescue I went to wanted to see my paycheck stubs to know our annual income and they wanted to know our plans for having children in the future and about any medical condition my husband and I might have. I found those types of questions a little intrusive ... and while we provided the information, we were still rejected.

I think this board has done wonderful things to promote adoption of animals. I've read lots of posts where members have gone to the effort of locating guinea pigs available for adoption for people who are comtemplating purchasing a pig, and I think that's fabulous.

Again I want to reiterate that I am NOT a pro-pet store person. I strongly believe that "adoption is the loving option."