I agree...I'm a total animal SUCKER...and it makes me nuts to see them in chain pet stores. We have a local shop that I trust, but they are highly responsible with their animals and with who they are adopted out to...which is a rarity these days.

I totally appreciate any and all advice at this point! I just want to make sure I'm going about this the right way because all my previous experience is in pets is of the furred variety. :-)