Loads of Questions I need to ask!

[Tazius]

Hey,

I just wanted to comment in on my own experience of pets at home as that's where I got my new hamster from. I'd actually argue that our experience of p@h has actually been better than those in pet shops... When we went to get ours, there were a maximum of 5 hams in each cage. All of them were confident and being handled by the person in charge of them - as a result we've got a happy ham who settled in quickly, very bold and responsive to us. Each time I've gotten hams from pet shops, they've had bundles of them in one cage and none of them had ever been handled before so all very timid for quite a while.

We were also asked lots of questions about our set up, if we were taking our ham straight home, whether we could transport him in a cage/travel case, etc. my partner was worried prior to going but we were both really impressed by our experience. I cannot comment on their adoptions though as haven't had experience with it (yet)

Also, on a side note, I would like to second Shannon in making comments about other people and your assumptions about them on this site please :/

[Callum]

Originally Posted by Tazius

Hey,

I just wanted to comment in on my own experience of pets at home as that's where I got my new hamster from. I'd actually argue that our experience of p@h has actually been better than those in pet shops... When we went to get ours, there were a maximum of 5 hams in each cage. All of them were confident and being handled by the person in charge of them - as a result we've got a happy ham who settled in quickly, very bold and responsive to us. Each time I've gotten hams from pet shops, they've had bundles of them in one cage and none of them had ever been handled before so all very timid for quite a while.

We were also asked lots of questions about our set up, if we were taking our ham straight home, whether we could transport him in a cage/travel case, etc. my partner was worried prior to going but we were both really impressed by our experience. I cannot comment on their adoptions though as haven't had experience with it (yet)

Also, on a side note, I would like to second Shannon in making comments about other people and your assumptions about them on this site please :/

Stores differ everywhere which annoys me. A lack of consistency isn't right.

I hadn't realised before I posted this thread that my language towards 'hoodies' was slightly less appealing so I do apologise for that. It upsets me to see people who don't look like they will look after pets sold in store properly as do people who really care about them. I don't appreciate the fact that people walk in store and mess around whilst looking for a pet to see attention whilst wearing clothing that gives off stereotypical opinions. I'm sure others would agree with me if they were with me in store but - obviously not - I can't really back up my point :P But you get me right?

[Pebbles82]

I know what you mean - you get a general sense that some prospective buyers are just doing it on whim and not very responsible. On the other hand appearances can be deceptive! I think it's more about attitude when buying a hamster and you would hope store staff would pick up on this and give them leaflets and suitable advice before selling.

[Shannonmcn]

Originally Posted by Callum

people who don't look like they will look after pets

When you just use a hoody and an accent to demonstrate this it sounds like you just mean "poor people" from working class backgrounds which is what I had a problem with. I have a working class accent and the "talking like they came out of a sewer" comment was particularly repellant to me personally.

Criticise behaviour all you like.

[Callum]

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

When you just use a hoody and an accent to demonstrate this it sounds like you just mean "poor people" from working class backgrounds which is what I had a problem with. I have a working class accent and the "talking like they came out of a sewer" comment was particularly repellant to me personally.

Criticise behaviour all you like.

I think I've described the two persons in store a bit wrongly and wayyyy out of context. I was meaning to say that the two persons came into the store to have fun and look around with their hands in their pants etc - typical hoodie, that's what I meant by that word.

Obviously its completely a different way of expression when using text form - which is why emojis came about to express people's reactions and feelings etc.

I wasn't meant to upset anyone. So I apologise once more

[Shannonmcn]

Originally Posted by Callum

I find your comment like its trying to rip chunks out of me.

Not at all, I did admit I might be being a bit sensitive about the issue. It just the language you used hits a nerve, like maybe if you saw me in my trackies over cooing at the hams with my accent straight off the council estate you might also judge me? It's a good thing to be concerned about animal welfare but like you say, words can be taken out of context. I apologise if you felt jumped on, I can be a little too quick to see criticism or even possible criticism sometimes.

[Pebbles82]

Sounds like Callum was letting out some frustrations. Shannon calls a spade a spade and I love her for her honesty and directness! Time to put the hoodies to bed now

Anyway Callum - did you get a hamster?!

[Tazius]

That's okay, it's easy for things to get miscommunicated online. I, like shannon, seem to be a little sensitive to the portrayal and I think that's understandable but thank you for apologising. I think it's just important to bear in mind that owners can irresponsible whenever they come from and whatever they look like. I've met some really irresponsible dog owners in my time who were very well to do but they are privileged in the fact most people would never assume that of them!

I think the main concern it seems we all share is wanting the hams (and all animals!!) to go to safe and nurturing families

And yes, did you get a hamster is the most important thing here?

[hammy2]

There's some really uncaring and spoilt rich people that wouldn't look after pets so you can't really judge. But yes I've seen people in pets at home that are obviously not suitable pet owners and it is frustrating. I've even given advice myself sometimes

[Callum]

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

Not at all, I did admit I might be being a bit sensitive about the issue. It just the language you used hits a nerve, like maybe if you saw me in my trackies over cooing at the hams with my accent straight off the council estate you might also judge me? It's a good thing to be concerned about animal welfare but like you say, words can be taken out of context. I apologise if you felt jumped on, I can be a little too quick to see criticism or even possible criticism sometimes.

Not at all. I've seen plenty of peeps with trackies and unusual clothing line walking around shops etc. I've never judged them in such a way. The fact that I took it to the forums is because of their 'activity' around the store, messing around and tapping glass of the cages and sticking their hands in rabbit pens. Kinda blew a gasket and I wanted to say something but I left it in the hands of the shop keeper :P

Oh well, internet is the internet. But thank you for understanding