<sigh> What can I say now about pet shops?

Whenever possible I try and steer clear of the big chain pet stores for supplies. Today the hamster desperately needed carefresh and I had none, the pet store I go to that doesn't sell animals is shut on Sundays, so off I went to the local big chain pet store. I have the usual gripes with them - Syrian hamsters housed together, guinea pigs housed with rabbits. The animals generally appear healthy. I usually grab what I need then go.

Today I couldn't help but overhear a conversation about a hamster with a member of staff and a customer. They had purchased a hamster some days ago and it had developed wet tail (severe diarrhoea caused by bacterial infection). They weren't holding out much hope for it, but I gathered by the way they spoke that it was a pet bought to keep their child quiet. The pet store man offered them a refund, and said to bring it back for a refund. I was horrified enough at this. The woman asked if the hamster survived, could they have him back? "No." said the member of staff. I can see the scenario in my head, and I don't want to think about it.

Yet another reason to steer well clear. Blah.