Posted by Thumper on July 20, 2000 at 00:24:55:
In Reply to: Know what I'm tired of hearing? posted by Csquared on July 19, 2000 at 22:12:22:
who still feel like it is a part of their job to educate pet owners.
Please do not be offended by the story that follows. It is a true story that happened to me just this week. It is NOT a reflection on all pet store employees----just the ones who CHOOSE to remain ignorant.
I was comparing notes with the founder of a herp society who also happened to be employed at a pet store.
I told him it burned me up that when I bought my ig, the salesman tried to sell me a ten gallon aquarium. The salesman said they will only grow proportionately with their environment.
The founder/'serious herper'/pet store herp expert (those are his words, not mine) said, "I always sell igs in a ten gallon aquarium, but I always tell them that they'll outgrow them with a year."
A YEAR!?
Again, this is the truth. I was so floored I was rendered speechless (no minor miracle). (Hush Sue2! Don't mock me!)
I guess you can see how the conflict begins. We ALL have to work together to try to 'enlighten' the ignorant. The ONLY answer is E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N of prospective pet owners.
There will always be those who will NOT listen. (All ya' need is a heat rock, some lettuce and gravel for 'em to poop on and you're all set. I don't need all that fancy, schmancy stuff. You're justa' tryin' to rob me of ALL my money. Do I look stupid to you?) Unfortunately, we can't save 'em all.
*sigh*
You are in a unique position to be able to actually HELP this situation. I am glad you are willing to tell the truth about owning an iguana.
Keep on keepin' on!)